The World Health Organization is reportedly considering for the first time adding anti-obesity drugs to its “Necessary Medicines List,” which the UN agency says will guide government purchasing decisions in low- and middle-income countries.

A panel of advisers to the WHO will review new applications for drug inclusion next month, Reuters reportedwith an updated list of essential medicines due in September.

The application to consider anti-obesity drugs was submitted by three doctors and one researcher in the US working on the compound liraglutide Novo Nordisk A/S NVO Saxenda, which will soon lose its exclusivity, will allow for cheaper generic versions and make way for a newer, more powerful treatment, Wegovy, from Novo Nordisk, which is recommended for low- and middle-income countries.

The panel could deny the request or wait for further evidence. “We believe this is a work in progress,” WHO nutrition director Francesco Branca said at a news conference on Wednesday, referring to the use of drugs to treat obesity.

“At the same time, WHO is investigating the use of weight-loss drugs … as part of a systematic review of guidelines for children and adolescents,” he said.

Saxenda, a once-a-day injection, has been shown to help people lose 5% to 10% of their body weight for $450 a month in the US and $150 a month in Europe.

Wegovy, a weekly injection, costs more than $1,300 a month in the US and helps people lose up to 15% of their weight.

Eli Lilly and Co LLY has a diabetes drug, tirzepatide, that is being developed for weight loss.

In October the company called it expects to initiate a rolling filing of a new drug application for tirzepatide in obese or overweight adults this year.

Price promotion: NVO shares are up 0.64% at last check Wednesday to $156.32.