Mounjaro producer is to increase the price in the UK of weight loss drug up to 170 percent.
Mounjaro Price Increase in the UK: Eli Lilly Confirms Up to 170% Rise
The price of the UK weight-loss drug Mounjaro will rise by up to 170%, according to its US manufacturer Eli Lilly. The announcement comes as the White House encourages overseas price rises to allow cost reductions in the US.
Mounjaro and Type 2 Diabetes Treatment
The same-name medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes will also be affected by the new pricing changes announced by Eli Lilly. The cost of a one-month supply of the highest dose will rise by more than 50%, from £122 upwards, with changes expected to take effect next month.
Impact on NHS vs Private Patients
A Lilly spokesperson clarified that the price increase will not impact patients prescribed Mounjaro via the NHS, which operates under a separate negotiated arrangement. The changes will primarily affect private patients, including those purchasing through online pharmacies and healthcare providers.
Eli Lilly’s Pricing Strategy
When Mounjaro was introduced in the UK, Eli Lilly set the list price much lower than in three other European markets to avoid NHS supply delays. A spokesperson explained: “We are now harmonising the list price more closely.”
Lilly did not disclose the negotiated NHS price but confirmed it is collaborating with private healthcare providers in the UK, who remain free to set their own prices.
Limited NHS Access
The announcement follows a Sky News report earlier this month revealing that just 8 out of 42 NHS Integrated Care Boards in England were offering Mounjaro weight-loss therapy. Many others were unable to confirm when the treatment would become available.
Donald Trump’s Pressure on Drug Pricing
Eli Lilly’s decision comes amid pressure from former US President Donald Trump, who has lobbied to lower domestic drug prices while maintaining higher prices abroad. Prescription drugs in the US cost more than in any other developed nation—often almost three times higher.
Trump stated his aim is to reduce this gap to prevent American citizens from being “ripped off” compared to patients in other countries.