Stockpiling Frenzy Prompts Lilly to Suspend UK Mounjaro Supply
Eli Lilly has temporarily suspended shipments and sales of the weight loss drug Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in the UK due to a surge in stockpiling ahead of a significant price hike on September 112345.
The new list price for Mounjaro will increase by up to 170%, with the 5mg dose rising from £92 to £180 and the 15mg dose from £122 to £33014.
Pharmacies are unable to order or restock Mounjaro from wholesalers until September 1, 2025145.
The price increase and supply suspension have triggered panic buying, criticism from pharmacy sector leaders, and concerns about patient access to essential medication1.
Lilly stated the pause is necessary to protect existing supplies and discourage inappropriate stockpiling by pharmacies24.
The price hike is partly driven by US political pressure to increase international prices to offset lower domestic drug costs4.
The suspension does not affect NHS patients; higher prices will not apply to those receiving Mounjaro through the health service4.
Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, is used primarily for type 2 diabetes but has gained popularity as a weight loss drug and as an alternative to Ozempic4.
Sources:
1. https://www.pharmacymagazine.co.uk/business-news/mounjaro-chaos-as-lilly-suspends-sales
2. https://pharmaphorum.com/news/lilly-pauses-mounjaro-shipments-uk-ahead-price-hike
3. https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/eli-lilly-pauses-uk-mounjaro-orders-ahead-september-price-hike-citing-stockpiling-concerns
4. https://news.sky.com/story/mounjaro-manufacturer-pauses-uk-shipments-of-weight-loss-drug-ahead-of-price-hike-13419719