Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) – Continued

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From 23 June 2025, some patients will be able to access to the drug tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) for the management of obesity in primary care settings.  It will not be accessible to everyone who wishes to use it.  People with the highest health risks and who meet the clinical criteria will be prioritised.

Tirzepatide, also known as Mounjaro®, is a GLP1/GIP agonist.  Other medications such as semaglutide (Wegovy®), liraglutide (Saxenda®), are known as GLP-1 agonists.  Both types of drug work in the same way and mimic gut hormones released by the body after eating, telling the brain you are full and slowing down the time it takes the stomach to empty.

In Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, people who meet the qualifying criteria (a BMI of at least 40 and four of the five stated weight related comorbidities), may be able to gain access to the drug via primary care, if both patient and clinician agree it is the most appropriate treatment option.  It must be provided alongside specialist weight management advice.  We will offer community-based programmes via our provider Xyla.

Access to tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) will be phased in gradually through a special agreement between NICE and the NHS in England, to make sure primary care services aren’t overwhelmed and can manage the extra demand safely.

The agreement between NICE and the NHS in England means 220,000 people living with obesity and obesity related comorbidities will be prioritised for access to tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) across both primary and secondary care settings, over the first three years.

Full qualifying criteria are a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40+ and four or more of the following diagnosed health conditions:

  • type 2 diabetes
  • high blood pressure
  • heart disease
  • obstructive sleep apnoea
  • abnormal blood fats (dyslipidaemia)

Access to tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) via the NHS is for those at greatest risk of ill health, or who are experiencing severe ill health due to living with obesity.  Access to the drug must be accompanied by wraparound care which will include support for people to make dietary changes and to increase physical activity.

According to NICE’s calculations, as part of its technical appraisal for tirzepatide (Mounjaro®), 3.4 million patients would potentially be eligible for the drug, however the NHS does not have the services or existing resources to manage this number of people.

For Frequently asked questions please follow this link:-

https://blmkhealthandcarepartnership.org/about-tirzepatide-mounjaro/