Eli Lilly's Mounjaro Faces Price Hike and Shipment Pause in the UK
Published 28 August 2025
Highlights
- Eli Lilly plans to increase the UK list price of Mounjaro by up to 170% from September, but a discounted deal with suppliers will mitigate the impact on consumers.
- Shipments of Mounjaro to the UK have been paused to manage supply and prevent stockpiling before the price hike.
- The NHS will not be affected by the price increase due to a pre-negotiated discounted rate for Mounjaro.
- Pharmacies are working to support patients and minimize disruption, with price rises for customers expected to be kept under 50% for higher doses.
- Mounjaro's popularity as a weight loss drug has led to increased demand, with some users considering alternatives like Wegovy.
Eli Lilly, the US pharmaceutical giant, is set to increase the UK list price of its popular weight loss drug, Mounjaro, by up to 170% starting September. However, a new deal with UK suppliers aims to cushion the blow for consumers, limiting the price rise to a more manageable level.
Price Adjustments and Supply Management
Earlier this month, Eli Lilly announced a significant price increase for Mounjaro, with the highest dose potentially rising from £122 to £330 per month. In response, the company has negotiated a discounted rate with suppliers, reducing the highest dose price to £247.50. Pharmacies and private weight-loss services will add their own mark-up, but the increase for patients is expected to be less severe than initially feared.
To manage supply and prevent stockpiling, Eli Lilly has temporarily paused shipments of Mounjaro to the UK. The company plans to resume orders on 1 September, coinciding with the price change. This pause comes amid reports of panic buying as consumers rush to secure the drug before the price hike.
Impact on NHS and Private Consumers
The NHS, which began offering Mounjaro in June, will not be affected by the price increase due to a pre-negotiated discounted rate. This ensures continued access for patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, estimates suggest that nine in ten UK users pay for Mounjaro privately, often through online services and high street pharmacies.
Pharmacies are actively working to support patients during this transition. Olivier Picard of the National Pharmacy Association stated, "Pharmacies will do all they can to support patients when prices change." The price rise for customers is expected to be kept under 50% for higher doses and even less for lower doses.
Alternatives and Consumer Concerns
Mounjaro, also known by its generic name tirzepatide, has become a popular alternative to the well-known weight loss drug Ozempic. Despite the price increase, some users are hesitant to switch to cheaper alternatives like Wegovy due to concerns about side effects and effectiveness. Ahmed Ahmed, president of the British Obesity and Metabolic Specialist Society, noted that some patients are reluctant to change medications without a "wash-out" period.
What this might mean
As the price increase takes effect, the pharmaceutical industry will be closely watched for its pricing strategies and their impact on consumers. The pause in shipments and subsequent resumption may lead to fluctuations in availability, potentially affecting patient access. Experts suggest that the situation could prompt further discussions on drug pricing policies, especially in light of international comparisons and the ongoing debate over healthcare affordability. The response from consumers and healthcare providers will likely influence future negotiations and pricing models for weight loss treatments in the UK and beyond.
