United Kingdom: A groundbreaking weight-loss injection, Mounjaro, will soon be available on the NHS in England, but a full rollout could take up to 12 years, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a weekly injection developed by Eli Lilly, is designed to curb appetite by making users feel fuller, leading to significant weight loss. Trials show patients can lose up to 20 percent of their body weight.
Who will be Eligible?
Starting in March, Mounjaro will be offered to patients with:
- A BMI over 35
- At least one obesity-related condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure
Initially, only patients enrolled in specialist weight-management programmes will have access, following a similar approach to the rollout of Wegovy (semaglutide), a comparable weight-loss drug.
From June, the NHS plans to expand access to the wider public, prioritising those with the most urgent clinical need.
Over 250,000 individuals are expected to benefit in the first three years. However, the full rollout to all eligible individuals, estimated at 3.4 million, will extend over 12 years to avoid overwhelming NHS services.
Challenges and Concerns
NICE Chief Medical Officer Prof. Jonathan Benger admitted the phased approach would leave many waiting but stressed it was necessary to protect other NHS services and evaluate the delivery of these new medications.
Questions also remain about how patients will be supported during treatment. While GP referrals are likely, ongoing management, including dietary and exercise guidance, may involve new apps or services. NHS England is expected to release detailed plans early next year.
Mounjaro, priced at £122 ($153.6) per month per patient, is considered cost-effective by NICE, given the economic and health burden of obesity. However, experts warn that patients could regain weight after stopping the injections.
The introduction of Mounjaro signals a significant shift in addressing obesity, a major public health challenge.
NICE’s final decision on the rollout is expected before Christmas, with Wales and Scotland adopting similar approaches.
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