Eli Lilly to Raise UK Price of Mounjaro by Up to 170% from September

Eli Lilly will drastically increase the UK price of its weight-loss and diabetes drug Mounjaro, with certain doses set for an enormous 170% price hike as early as September.

Why the Price Hike?

The pharmaceutical giant has defended the increase, claiming it is necessary to correct pricing discrepancies compared to other developed nations, including within Europe, and to ensure equal global contributions toward funding medical research.

Price Details

The highest doses of the drug will be the most affected, jumping from £122 to £330 per month. Smaller doses will also rise, with increases ranging between 45% and 138%.

Impact on NHS vs Private Patients

Lilly confirmed that these reforms will not affect NHS patients, as the NHS will continue paying the previously negotiated lower rates to ensure uninterrupted access.

The price changes will apply only to private healthcare providers, who may still negotiate confidential discounts with Eli Lilly.

Political Debate in the US

The decision coincides with ongoing political debate in the United States, where former President Donald Trump has criticised so-called “foreign freeloaders” for accessing cheaper medicines while Americans pay much higher prices. He highlighted obesity treatments, recounting how a friend in London acquired the “fat shot drug” at a fraction of the US cost, according to the Daily Record.

Research from the Rand Corporation shows that US drug prices are often nearly three times higher than those in other developed countries.

Global Pricing Strategy

The drug industry is mobilising against the threat of a potential “most favoured nation” policy, which could tie US drug prices to international rates.

Eli Lilly noted that the UK was among the first markets to access Mounjaro, with the company prioritising quick delivery to diabetic patients. At launch, Lilly set a UK list price substantially lower than the European average to avoid NHS delays. The company now argues that, with evolving conditions and new clinical evidence, prices must be aligned more evenly to ensure equal contributions to the cost of innovation worldwide.

Government Negotiations on NHS Drug Costs

Talks between pharmaceutical firms and the UK Government over NHS drug costs have become increasingly strained. Discussions over changes to a clawback levy on pharmaceutical sales have extended well beyond agreed timelines.

While the Government has proposed spending more on medicines, industry leaders remain frustrated by the lack of clarity over whether this means buying more drugs or simply paying higher prices for existing ones.

NICE Approval and NHS Access

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved Mounjaro for use in up to 3.4 million people in England. However, concerns about cost-effectiveness led to a phased rollout, beginning with around 250,000 patients with the most urgent needs during the first three years.

NHS England has reassured that the upcoming price changes will not affect patient access for those eligible under obesity or diabetes treatment programmes. “Mounjaro is a cost-effective and valuable tool to support people to achieve a healthier weight and benefit from wider health and lifestyle improvements,” NHS England said.

The changes bring UK pricing of Mounjaro closer to the European average. They also reflect the global sensitivity surrounding drug costs, as international pricing continues to influence upcoming policy decisions in the US and beyond.