London: Eli Lilly’s obesity drug Mounjaro is set to be available through Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) starting in March, following approval from the country’s cost-effectiveness watchdog, NICE. Mounjaro, which was launched in Britain in February, has previously only been available for private purchase, primarily through online pharmacies.
Around 3.4 million people in Britain will be eligible to receive Eli Lilly's obesity drug Mounjaro through the National Health Service, after the drugs cost-effectiveness watchdog gave its approval https://t.co/vwO6y0uexL pic.twitter.com/38El2r3zqg
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 24, 2024
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended Mounjaro for people who have at least one weight-related condition—such as heart disease or type-2 diabetes—and a body mass index (BMI) greater than 35. This recommendation is part of a broader approach that includes changes to diet and exercise. The guidelines mirror those issued by NICE in March 2023 for Wegovy, an obesity medication from rival drugmaker Novo Nordisk.
Also Read | NASA and ISRO’s NISAR Satellite to Launch in March 2025: A New Era of Earth Monitoring
Under the new guidelines, around 3.4 million people in the UK will be eligible to receive Mounjaro through the NHS. The medication, administered as a weekly injection, belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 analogues. Originally developed to help control blood sugar levels in type-2 diabetes patients, GLP-1s have also been shown to suppress appetite and promote a sense of fullness. In clinical trials, Mounjaro resulted in an average weight loss of nearly 23%.
Also Read | Israeli Minister Admits to Assassination of Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh
The cost for the NHS to administer Mounjaro will be 122 pounds ($153) per patient per month for the highest dose. NICE has judged this price to be cost-effective, considering the significant financial burden of obesity and related health conditions on the health system.
