Price Increase for Weight Loss Drug

Introduction to Mounjaro

The manufacturer Eli Lilly has announced that people who pay privately for the weight loss drug Mounjaro in Great Britain will face an increase in costs for treatment, with the list price of the drug set to rise by up to 170%. This means that the proposed price for a month’s supply of the highest dose of the drug will increase from £122 to £330, although the increase for lower doses will be smaller.

Impact on Consumers

Generally, retailers who sell the medication can negotiate discounts on the list price, so the impact on consumers may be limited. The announcement does not affect the price that the NHS pays, as the service has negotiated a fixed price for those who receive the medication on prescription.

How Mounjaro Works

The weekly injection works by making people feel full, so they can eat less and help them lose up to 20% of their body weight. Around 1.5 million people are currently taking weight loss medication in Great Britain, with more than half of them on Mounjaro. It is estimated that nine out of 10 are paying privately for these medications and buying them from online services and high street pharmacies.

Reason for Price Increase

Eli Lilly said that the drug was being sold in Great Britain at a price that was "clearly below" what was being charged in other European countries. The company agreed with the goal expressed by US President Donald Trump that drug costs should be shared more fairly, although it did not support a "most preferred nation" approach to drug pricing.

Reaction to Price Increase

Dr. Leyla Hannbeck, head of the independent pharmacy association, said that she was "shocked and very disappointed" by the price increase. She advised patients who are already taking Mounjaro to speak to their local pharmacy before taking any action, and encouraged those who are considering the medication to explore other options. She also urged other weight loss medication manufacturers to keep their prices stable, in order to ensure that treatment remains affordable for the average patient.