Individuals in the UK who privately purchase the weight-loss drug Mounjaro are poised to experience a surge in treatment costs. Manufacturer Eli Lilly has announced an increase in the drug’s list price, potentially reaching up to 170%.
This adjustment translates to a suggested price increase for a month’s supply of the highest dose, escalating from £122 to £330. However, the price increase for lower doses is expected to be less substantial.
It’s worth noting that retailers distributing the drug may have the opportunity to negotiate discounts on the list price, which could mitigate the overall impact on consumers.
The announcement does not affect the price the NHS pays, as the service has negotiated a heavily-discounted rate for those getting the drug on prescription.
Administered as a weekly injection, Mounjaro functions by inducing a feeling of fullness, thereby reducing food intake and potentially leading to a 20% reduction in body weight.
Current estimates suggest that approximately 1.5 million individuals in the UK are utilizing weight-loss drugs, with Mounjaro accounting for over half of this figure. Notably, it is estimated that 90% of these individuals procure the drugs privately through online services and high street pharmacies.
Eli Lilly has stated that the drug’s previous pricing in the UK was “significantly below” that of other European countries.
This development follows concerns raised by former US President Donald Trump regarding the high cost of drugs in the United States.
Trump previously threatened the pharmaceutical industry with a “most favored nation” drug pricing proposal, aiming to align US prices with those of other nations.
Eli Lilly has expressed agreement with the objective of fairly distributing costs, as articulated by President Trump, but suggested that a “most favored nation” approach may not be the optimal solution.
Research indicates that drug prices in the US can be up to three times higher than those in other developed countries.
In a statement, Eli Lilly explained: “The UK was among the first countries where Lilly launched Mounjaro, and our priority was to bring it to patients as quickly as possible during a time of limited availability.
“At launch, Lilly agreed to a UK list price that is significantly below the European average to prevent delays in NHS availability.
“With changes in the environment and new clinical evidence supporting the value of Mounjaro, we are now aligning the list price more consistently to ensure fair global contributions to the cost of innovation.”
Dr. Leyla Hannbeck, head of the Independent Pharmacies Association, expressed her “shock and disappointment” regarding the price increase.
“This is a real blow to patients at a time when more and more people, worried about their weight, are turning to jabs.
“It is vital that patients who are already taking Mounjaro talk to their local pharmacy before they take any action.
“Those patients considering weight-loss jabs should also not be put off as Mounjaro is not the only option. Local pharmacies are best placed to offer vital advice about the range of treatments available.”
She emphasized the importance of other weight-loss drug manufacturers maintaining their current pricing. In addition to Mounjaro, Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy is also widely used in the UK.
“The British market for weight-loss jabs is only set to grow, but it will only achieve that growth if treatment remains affordable to the average patient,” Dr. Hannbeck added.
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