Eli Lilly Mounjaro UK Price Increase Set To Soar By Up To 170%—Private Patients Facing £330 Monthly Costs

Private patients in the UK face a steep rise in the cost of Eli Lilly's diabetes and weight-loss drug Mounjaro, with prices set to increase by up to 170 per cent from September 2025.

While National Health Service (NHS) patients will continue to access the medicine at current rates under a separate supply arrangement, those paying privately could see the cost for the highest dose rise from about £122 to £330 a month. Clinicians and pharmacists have warned the increase could affect affordability and patient adherence.

US Pricing Pressure

Eli Lilly confirmed the price adjustment follows pressure from the United States government for pharmaceutical companies to raise prices in other developed markets, Reuters reported. This is intended to make room for potential price cuts in the US under recently introduced reforms.

In the UK, the sharpest increase will affect the highest Mounjaro dosage sold privately, though lower dosages will also rise significantly. The company has not announced changes to its NHS supply terms, which were agreed as part of a deal that gave patients earlier access to the drug at below-market rates.

Private Patients Hit Hardest

Pharmacies currently charge between £92 and £122 a month for Mounjaro, depending on the dosage. Under the new pricing, monthly costs for some patients will more than double. Clinicians have expressed concern that some may be unable to continue treatment or may reduce their dosage to save costs.

One online pharmacy told The Sun it expects more people to switch to alternative therapies such as Wegovy, which may remain at lower prices for longer. However, experts caution that not all patients respond equally to different medications, and changes in treatment can affect outcomes.

Mounjaro in the UK

Mounjaro, known generically as tirzepatide, was approved in the UK for type 2 diabetes in 2023 and for weight management in 2024. It works by mimicking gut hormones to regulate blood sugar and appetite. Demand has surged globally due to its weight-loss effects, leading to intermittent shortages.

According to Diabetes UK, Mounjaro is available on the NHS for eligible patients who meet clinical criteria, but many access it privately to avoid waiting lists or to use it for weight loss outside NHS guidance.

Industry and Policy

Health economists say the move could influence drug pricing across Europe, as manufacturers adjust their strategies to align with US policy. Pharmacy leaders have called for the government to consider safeguards for patients who do not qualify for NHS treatment but still require long-term therapy, The Times reported.

'Clinicians are facing a situation in which life-changing obesity treatments are being rationed due to overwhelming demand,' said Sarah Le Brocq of the Obesity Health Alliance. 'Without urgent government action, millions may lose equitable access to care.'

Future Outlook

Advocacy groups and patient organisations are urging closer scrutiny of price changes for high-demand medicines. They argue that without additional safeguards, large price rises could widen health inequalities.

Eli Lilly has not ruled out further price adjustments in the coming years but says it remains committed to maintaining NHS access at current levels for the duration of its agreement. As policymakers debate potential interventions, the widening gap between public and private access is expected to remain a central issue in the UK healthcare landscape.