The UK’s publicly funded healthcare system has proposed phasing its rollout of Eli Lilly’s weight loss treatment tirzepatide to ensure those who need it most get early access.
An estimated quarter of a million patients would receive the drug in the first three years under the phased launch, according to the UK’s National Health Service. Tirzepatide is sold under the name Mounjaro in the UK for both weight loss and diabetes.
Under NHS’ plan, first priority would go to patients with a body mass index of more than 40 kg/m2 and at least three weight-related conditions — hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea or cardiovascular disease — followed by those who have two weight-related conditions and one weight-related condition.
“Because of the very large number of people who could potentially benefit, NICE accepts that a phased roll out is required,” Sam Roberts, CEO of the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), said in a news release. “However, we now need to hear from stakeholders on the proposals we have received from NHS England.”
NHS added that it is developing “a range of community-based services and digital technologies” to deliver tirzepatide, and suggested that the most “appropriate and cost-effective” models would be used to scale up access down the road.
Mounjaro was authorized in the UK for weight loss in November 2023, and a NICE committee recommended the drug for adults with obesity in draft guidance in June.
If finalized, Mounjaro would be easier for some patients to access than Novo Nordisk’s rival semaglutide, which is recommended only as part of a specialist weight management service, according to NICE.