NHS To Roll Out New Weight-Loss Drug Mounjaro, But Full Access May Take 12 Years

A new weight-loss injection, Mounjaro, is set to be rolled out by the NHS in England, though full access to the drug could take up to 12 years, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

In its final draft guidance, NICE has recommended that Mounjaro, alongside advice on diet and exercise, begin being offered in March 2025. The medication will be available to those with a body mass index (BMI) of over 35 and at least one obesity-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease—potentially benefiting up to 3.4 million people.

However, concerns that the rollout could overwhelm NHS services, particularly general practitioners (GPs), have led NICE to extend the introduction period to over a decade. This marks an unprecedented delay for a new medication of its kind.

A Gradual Rollout

The phased approach will see Mounjaro initially available only to patients under specialist weight-management care, similar to the rollout of the drug Wegovy. The NHS will start offering Mounjaro to a broader group in June 2025, though the specifics of how this will be managed are still unclear. GPs will likely play a central role in referring patients, but the ongoing support required for diet, exercise, and monitoring remains a point of concern. NHS England is expected to release further guidance on this in early 2025, which may include digital tools or additional services to assist GPs.

Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, works by suppressing appetite, helping users eat less. Clinical trials have shown that users can lose up to 20% of their body weight while using the drug. The medication is already approved in the United States for managing blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Rising Demand and Cost Concerns

The introduction of Mounjaro on the NHS follows a similar move with Wegovy (semaglutide), another weight-loss drug. However, unlike Mounjaro, Wegovy is currently only available to those under specialist care. The rollout of Mounjaro will open the door to a new generation of weight-loss treatments for those struggling with severe obesity. To qualify, patients must also have an obesity-related health condition.

Despite its promising potential, Mounjaro will cost the NHS £122 per patient per month at the highest dose. NICE has determined the medication to be cost-effective, given the overall financial burden of obesity on the healthcare system. The drug will initially benefit an estimated 220,000 individuals over the first three years, with those with the most significant clinical needs being prioritized.

As this is final draft guidance, the rollout may still be delayed if any appeals are lodged. However, if no objections are raised, the guidance will be confirmed by Christmas 2024.

Mixed Reactions

While patient groups and health professionals acknowledge the potential benefits of Mounjaro, concerns about the lengthy rollout remain. Helen Kirrane, of Diabetes UK, emphasized the drug’s role in addressing obesity but expressed concern over the time it will take for widespread access.

Dr. Kath McCullough, NHS England’s national specialty adviser for obesity, defended the phased approach, stating that it was necessary to protect access to other NHS services. She called weight-loss drugs a critical tool in addressing the growing obesity crisis, one of the NHS’s biggest public health challenges.

However, Prof. Kamila Hawthorne from the Royal College of GPs cautioned that Mounjaro should not be viewed as a “silver bullet.” She highlighted that the drug may not be suitable for everyone and carries potential risks.

As the NHS prepares for the introduction of Mounjaro, the health system faces the challenge of balancing access to this new treatment with the ongoing demands placed on its services.