The manufacturer of the weight-loss drug Mounjaro has paused UK orders ahead of a significant price rise next month. US pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly is set to increase the list price by up to 170% from September, prompting a surge in demand and stockpiling concerns.
Eli Lilly has reportedly told its two British wholesalers to temporarily stop taking orders after demand soared before the price increase on 1 September. Pharmacies have reported panic buying since the price announcement. The company said it had allocations in place to manage supply and ensure patient access, with legal protections against inappropriate stockpiling. Orders are expected to resume on 1 September.
The price rise could see a month’s supply of the highest dose increase from £122 to £330. However, Eli Lilly stated that NHS patients receiving Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes or obesity will not be affected by the higher price. The drug became available on the NHS at the end of June.
Many patients have already switched to Wegovy, a cheaper alternative from Novo Nordisk. But experts warn that some are reluctant to change due to fears of side-effects or reduced effectiveness. Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Independent Pharmacies Association, said patients using Mounjaro privately to lose weight before surgery face delays or cancellations of vital operations, with potential knock-on effects for NHS waiting lists.
Ahmed Ahmed, president of the British Obesity and Metabolic Specialist Society, noted that some patients are resorting to buying multiple lower-dose pens to achieve higher doses, as pharmacies run out of 15mg supplies. He highlighted that many seek private prescriptions to access fertility treatment, where weight loss is required for IVF eligibility.
