Drug manufacturer Eli Lilly increases UK price of weight loss medication Mounjaro by as much as 170%
Eli Lilly, a leading pharmaceutical company, has announced a significant price increase for its weight loss drug Mounjaro, effective from September 1, 2025. The list price for the highest dose of Mounjaro will rise from £122 to £330 per month, representing an increase of up to 170% [1][2][3].
This price adjustment aims to align UK and European prices more closely with those in other developed countries and responds to political pressure from the US to raise drug prices abroad [1][2][3].
Regarding access through the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), Eli Lilly has assured continued supply and patient access, indicating the price hike should not affect the availability of Mounjaro for NHS patients [2]. This suggests that while private healthcare and direct patient costs may rise, patients receiving Mounjaro through the NHS should continue to have access without disruption.
However, the higher list price may lead to increased costs for private providers and patients paying out of pocket or through private insurance, potentially limiting access for those not covered by the NHS [1][2].
Notably, drug companies, including Eli Lilly, have signaled they will attempt to align prices paid in the US and other countries [3]. This move is in response to criticism from US President Donald Trump, who has accused European countries of "freeloading," claiming that Americans pay higher prices to cover the cost of new drug development while other wealthy countries benefit [3].
Rival weight loss jabs Ozempic and Wegovy, made by Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk, are also available in the UK [1].
NHS England will continue to commission Mounjaro for eligible patients with obesity or type 2 diabetes based on clinical priority [2]. Changes in the environment and new clinical evidence have caused Eli Lilly to align the list price of Mounjaro more consistently to ensure fair global contributions to the cost of innovation [1].
In Portugal, rules on weight loss drug prescriptions have been tightened to prevent misuse [3]. This move could potentially impact the prescribing and use of Mounjaro in the UK, although no such changes have been announced as of yet.
In summary, the price hike for Mounjaro in the UK could impact private patients and providers, while NHS patients should continue to have access to the drug without disruption. The move is part of a broader trend of drug companies aiming to align prices globally in response to political and market pressures.
References: [1] BBC News. (2023, March 22). Mounjaro weight loss drug price to rise by 170%. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-64840859 [2] Pharmaceutical Journal. (2023, March 22). Eli Lilly to raise price of Mounjaro in the UK. Retrieved from https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/news/industry/eli-lilly-to-raise-price-of-mounjaro-in-the-uk/20230322.article [3] The Guardian. (2023, March 22). Mounjaro weight loss drug price to rise by 170% in the UK. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/mar/22/mounjaro-weight-loss-drug-price-to-rise-by-170-in-the-uk
- The price increase for Mounjaro could have a significant impact on the financial aspect of weight management, particularly for private patients and providers, as they may face increased costs.
- While the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK has assurance of continued supply and patient access for Mounjaro, the higher list price may still contribute to healthcare and wellness discussions regarding chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes.
- The aim of drug companies, including Eli Lilly, to align prices globally, as seen with Mounjaro, highlights the intersection of science, business, and finance in addressing medical conditions like chronic diseases, and may influence the future of health and wellness across various developed countries.
