Mounjaro weight-loss drug in the UK.

The cost of the famous weight-reducing injection Mounjaro will almost triple because the US-owned enterprise is equalising prices across global markets.

Mounjaro Price Increase

The amount of the strongest doses of the so-called “King Kong of weight loss medicine” per month will increase by 170%, rising to £330 instead of the current £122.

How Many People Use Mounjaro and Wegovy?

According to retailers, at least 500,000 individuals in the UK use either Mounjaro or Wegovy, another weight loss injection, through prescriptions purchased online via pharmacies.

NHS Prescriptions and Patient Eligibility

In June, the NHS prescribed Mounjaro to obese patients after health professionals estimated—based on NHS England data—that 97,500 patients would qualify for the treatment.

Eli Lilly, the owner of Mounjaro, stated that it would not increase the price paid by the NHS and is negotiating with private healthcare providers to keep the jab available.

Pharma Industry Policy Shifts

This relocation highlights how the pharmaceutical industry is adapting to changes in US policies, its most profitable market. The move follows complaints made by the administration of Donald Trump, who criticised “foreign freeloaders” and urged drug makers to equalise US drug prices with those in foreign countries.

Drug Prices in the US vs Other Countries

In the US, prescription drugs cost more than in any other nation—often almost three times higher than in other developed countries.

Mounjaro and Wegovy in the UK

Mounjaro, launched by Eli Lilly in the UK in February last year, and Wegovy, an injection by rival Novo Nordisk, have both been available in the UK since September 2023.

When Mounjaro was introduced, Eli Lilly agreed a list price far lower than its three other European markets to avoid NHS supply delays. A spokesperson confirmed that the company is now adjusting its list price to be “more consistent.”

NHS Guidelines for Mounjaro Treatment

In the UK, the NHS was advised to make Mounjaro available to patients with a BMI over 40 and at least four weight-related conditions, such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes. It is anticipated that 240,000 patients will be eligible for treatment over the next three years.

NICE Guidance on Weight Loss Treatments

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) warned that many people could regain weight without proper support after stopping treatment. It stressed that individuals discontinuing the drugs should receive structured advice and follow-up support to prevent weight gain.

The new NICE quality standard states that NHS patients should be monitored for at least one year after ceasing treatment, with additional support provided when necessary. This includes:

• Long-term behavioural pattern development
• Self-monitoring tools
• Wider support such as online communities, family-led interventions, and local activity initiatives

What Are GLP-1 Receptor Agonists?

GLP-1 receptor agonists, also known as weight-loss injections, are medications that mimic a natural hormone. They work to regulate blood sugar, appetite, and digestion, making them effective in supporting weight management.