England’s National Health Service (NHS) is set to offer Eli Lilly’s weight-loss drug, Mounjaro (known as Zepbound in the U.S.), to nearly a quarter of a million patients over the next three years. This initiative follows a recommendation from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which will initially provide the drug to individuals with obesity who also suffer from at least three weight-related health conditions, such as hypertension, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disorders, or unhealthy lipid levels.
The rollout will be phased, first targeting those with the most severe health issues before expanding access to individuals with two or one related conditions. NICE has emphasized that the drug will be part of a comprehensive “wraparound package,” which includes support for diet and exercise through both primary and secondary care clinics.
Simon Cork, a physiology lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University, noted the challenges the NHS may face in delivering the same level of care that was provided during clinical trials. Approximately 64% of adults in England are classified as overweight or living with obesity, underscoring the urgency of addressing this public health issue.
NICE’s endorsement comes after a previous rejection last June, when they cited a need for more evidence regarding the drug’s clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness. The phased implementation plan includes testing various new services and digital technologies to determine the most efficient delivery methods for administering Mounjaro.
The decision is seen as a significant step toward combating obesity in England, which imposes an estimated £11.4 billion annual burden on the NHS due to associated health conditions. The consultation period for stakeholders regarding this rollout is currently open until October 22, 2024, after which final guidance will be published later this year.