NHS England to Roll Out Eli Lilly’s Obesity Drug Mounjaro in Phased Approach

Phased Rollout:
NHS England proposes a phased rollout of Eli Lilly's obesity drug Mounjaro (tirzepatide) to manage high demand and ensure effective delivery.

Eligibility Criteria:
Initially, the drug will be offered to patients with a BMI of more than 40 kg/m2 and at least three specified weight-related health problems, such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease.

Expansion Plans:
The drug will then be offered to those with a BMI of more than 40 plus two weight-related health problems, and subsequently to those with a BMI of more than 40 plus one weight-related health problem.

Delivery Models:
The rollout will include community-based services and digital technologies to deliver the injection to nearly a quarter of a million people over the first three years.

Cost and Effectiveness:
The drug, costing £122 per month at its maximum 15mg dose, has been shown to be more effective than diet and exercise support alone, with patients losing 20.9% of their body weight in 36 weeks during clinical trials.

Consultation:
A consultation on the funding variation request is open to registered stakeholders until October 22, 2024, with NICE to consider all responses before final guidance is published later in the year.