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NICE to Recommend Eli Lilly’s Obesity Drug Mounjaro for NHS Use

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The UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) announced on Thursday that it plans to recommend Eli Lilly’s obesity drug Mounjaro for use through the National Health Service (NHS), potentially benefiting 220,000 patients over the next three years.

Previously available in the UK only through private, out-of-pocket purchases, Mounjaro, launched in February 2023, will now be prescribed alongside lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. The eligibility criteria include individuals with a body mass index (BMI) over 35 and at least one weight-related condition such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes.

Phased Rollout and Eligibility

Approximately 3.4 million people in England could qualify for the treatment under the stated guidelines. However, during the initial rollout, priority will be given to those with the highest clinical need. The drug will become accessible to NHS patients starting 90 days after NICE’s final guidance is published, scheduled for December 23, unless appeals are lodged. Patients who are part of specialist NHS weight management services will gain earlier access, while others may need to wait up to 180 days.

The phased rollout is essential to ensure that healthcare providers can continue addressing the broader range of patient needs, NICE stated.

Mounjaro’s Potential Impact

Mounjaro, part of the GLP-1 analogue drug class, was initially developed to manage blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients but has shown remarkable efficacy in promoting weight loss. Clinical trials demonstrated an average weight loss of nearly 23%, making it one of the most effective options for obesity management.

This recommendation aligns with earlier guidelines issued by NICE for Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy in March 2023, which targets the same BMI threshold and weight-related conditions.

Addressing Britain’s Obesity Crisis

With nearly one in three adults in Britain classified as obese—the highest rate in Europe according to a 2019 OECD report—Mounjaro offers a new tool to address the nation’s obesity epidemic. The European Union’s obesity average stands at 16.5%, highlighting the urgent need for interventions in the UK.

Eli Lilly has welcomed NICE’s decision and acknowledged the necessity of a phased introduction, ensuring the drug is integrated effectively into the NHS system.

Eli Lilly’s Q2 Earnings Surpass Expectations, Raises Full-Year Outlook

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Eli Lilly reported stellar second-quarter earnings, significantly exceeding market expectations, driven by robust sales of its diabetes drug Mounjaro and weight loss injection Zepbound. The pharmaceutical giant raised its full-year revenue forecast by $3 billion, now expecting between $45.4 billion and $46.6 billion, while also increasing its adjusted earnings guidance to a range of $16.10 to $16.60 per share.

The company’s performance was primarily bolstered by the increased demand for Mounjaro and Zepbound, which together have seen sales soar as supply constraints begin to ease. Despite previous shortages, Eli Lilly’s recent expansion in production capacity has improved the availability of these drugs in the U.S., contributing to the positive financial results. Zepbound, in its second full quarter on the U.S. market, generated $1.24 billion in sales, outperforming analyst expectations. Similarly, Mounjaro brought in $3.09 billion, more than triple the revenue from the same period last year.

CEO David Ricks noted that the company has ramped up its manufacturing efforts, including building six new plants and hiring thousands of workers to meet the growing demand. He also mentioned that Eli Lilly is working on developing more convenient weight loss pills to complement its existing injectable treatments.

Eli Lilly’s shares rose by more than 7% following the earnings announcement, continuing a strong upward trend that has seen the stock gain over 30% this year. The company’s market cap now exceeds $730 billion, making it the largest pharmaceutical firm based in the U.S. This success contrasts with competitor Novo Nordisk, which recently reported weaker-than-expected sales for its similar drugs due to pricing pressures.

 

Eli Lilly’s Zepbound and Mounjaro Now Available in U.S. After Shortages, FDA Says

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All doses of Eli Lilly’s highly popular weight loss injection Zepbound and diabetes drug Mounjaro are now available in the U.S., according to the latest update on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) drug shortage database. This follows a period where some doses of these treatments were still in short supply.

Some doses of Mounjaro have been in shortage since early 2022, while Zepbound joined the FDA’s shortage list earlier this year following its U.S. approval in November. The surge in demand for weight loss and diabetes medications has significantly outpaced supply, prompting Eli Lilly and its competitor Novo Nordisk to invest billions in ramping up manufacturing capacities.

 

The FDA’s update was issued just one day after Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks indicated in an interview with Bloomberg that the shortages of Mounjaro and Zepbound would end “very soon.” “I think actually today or tomorrow we plan to exit that process,” Ricks stated.

The resolution of these shortages is expected to be a significant relief for patients who rely on these medications for managing their weight and diabetes. Both Zepbound and Mounjaro have garnered substantial attention for their efficacy, contributing to the heightened demand.