Eli Lilly And Co and its eagerly anticipated obesity drug, Mounjaro (tirzepatide), are soon to make their debut in Britain, propelling the U.K. to the forefront of the weight-loss battle in Europe. This marks the latest in the drug’s expansion, following its introduction in three other European countries.
Mounjaro, also cleared for diabetes treatment, is a ray of hope in the dark clouds of the obesity epidemic. With nearly a third of adults in the UK classified as obese, the highest in Europe, the drug is poised to make a significant impact on the burgeoning crisis.
Superdrug has announced that its Online Doctor service will commence Mounjaro prescriptions for eligible private patients, with the National Health Service (NHS) patients being the primary focus due to the expected high demand. This demand echoes the popularity of Novo Nordisk A/S’s rival weight-loss drug, Wegovy, introduced in the UK just last year.
Another major player in the pharmacy landscape, Britain’s Simple Online Pharmacy, has already begun issuing Mounjaro prescriptions, and Reuters has highlighted the extensive availability of the drug across all UK pharmacies, catering to both NHS and private patients. Simple has a waitlist of over 80,000 patients seeking a weight-loss treatment, underscoring the pressing need for effective solutions.
In January, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) granted approval for the Kwikpen, a four-dose version of the diabetes and weight management medicine Mounjaro. This innovation positions Britain as the first major market to offer Mounjaro in this convenient new format, which can administer four weekly subcutaneous shots.
Unlike Germany, Switzerland, and Poland, where the drug is packaged in vials, the British market will benefit from the practicality of the pre-filled injection pen.
Pricing details for Mounjaro in the UK have been disclosed by Superdrug and Simple, with a 4-week course at 2.5 milligrams and 5 mg starter doses available for private patients at £215 ($270) and £189, respectively.
The launch of Mounjaro in the UK carries significant weight for Eli Lilly’s ongoing expansion. The company’s vision is clear, as it seeks to provide a reliable solution to a regional healthcare issue of growing concern.
Eli Lilly shares are up 0.67% at $762.41 at the last check Thursday, signaling investor optimism in the company’s future.
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