The landscape of medical weight management in the UK is shifting with the arrival of a new powerful player. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has granted approval for Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a weekly injection developed by pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, offering fresh hope for adults struggling with obesity.
This authorisation marks a significant moment, introducing more competition into a market currently dominated by drugs like Wegovy (semaglutide). But how does it work, and more importantly, how can you access it?
How Does Mounjaro Work?
Mounjaro's mechanism is considered by many to be a step forward. It is a dual-targeting drug, acting as both a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. In simpler terms, it tackles weight loss from two angles: it helps regulate blood sugar levels and, crucially, suppresses appetite and slows down digestion, leading to a feeling of fullness and reduced calorie intake.
UK Price and Availability: Private First
Initially, access to Mounjaro will be through private prescription services. The injection will be available at Boots and The Independent Pharmacy, with a starting price of £150 for a month's supply at the lowest dose. This cost is expected to rise for higher doses as treatment progresses.
This positions it as a direct competitor to Novo Nordisk's Wegovy, which is also available privately and recently launched within the NHS under strict eligibility criteria.
Mounjaro vs. Wegovy: What's the Difference?
While both are weekly injections, early clinical trials suggest Mounjaro may lead to slightly greater weight loss on average compared to semaglutide-based treatments. However, both are considered highly effective tools when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
As with any medication, there are potential side effects. The most common for Mounjaro are gastrointestinal, such as nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting, which are often mild to moderate and temporary.
The Future: Will Mounjaro Be Available on the NHS?
Currently, Mounjaro is only approved for private use. For it to be available on the NHS, it must undergo a separate assessment by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to determine its clinical and cost-effectiveness for the UK's public health system. This process is ongoing, and a decision is expected in the coming months.
For now, Mounjaro represents another significant advancement in medical weight loss, providing healthcare professionals and patients with another potent option to combat obesity, a condition affecting millions across the UK.
