UK patients worried about the soaring cost of the popular weight-loss jab Mounjaro can breathe a small sigh of relief.
Leaked documents reveal that the price increase isn’t going to be as steep as initially feared, offering a glimmer of hope for those who’ve been stockpiling the drug in anticipation of September’s changes.
Lilly Adjusts Planned Price Surge
US pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, which makes Mounjaro, had originally announced earlier this month that the drug’s cost would skyrocket from September 1.
The highest-dose version, previously priced at £122 per month, was set to jump to £330.
Even mid-range doses, such as the 5mg pen, were expected to climb from around £92 to £180.
However, recent documents reveal a softer increase: the top dose will now cost £247.50—a near £100 reduction from the originally planned hike.
Lower doses will also see smaller price adjustments. Lilly said in a statement:
“We are working with private providers on commercial arrangements to maintain affordability and expect these to be passed onto patients when the change is effective on 1 September.
Providers are already responding in different ways, offering options for eligible patients.”
Stockpiling and Panic-Buying Surge
News of the planned price rise had triggered a rush among slimmers eager to secure months’ worth of injection pens at the lower price.
Social media has been awash with boasts about stockpiling, while pharmacies report “Covid-style” panic buying.
Experts warn that this panic could push some patients toward black market suppliers, putting their health at risk.
Border Force data between June 2024 and June 2025 shows more than 18,000 illegal weight-loss and diabetes medications—including fake Mounjaro pens—were seized at Heathrow.
Smugglers were reportedly hiding counterfeit pens on their bodies.
Temporary Supply Pause Adds to Confusion
To complicate matters further, Lilly recently announced it is temporarily pausing Mounjaro supply to the UK until the price increase takes effect.
The company claims this move is to prevent stockpiling at the current, lower price.
Proposed Price Changes by Dose
| Dose | Current UK List Price | New UK List Price (From September) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5mg | £92 | £133 |
| 5mg | £92 | £180 |
| 7.5mg | £107 | £255 |
| 10mg | £107 | £255 |
| 12.5mg | £122 | £330 |
| 15mg | £122 | £330 |
Health Leaders Criticize the Move
Pharmacy groups and patient advocates have slammed Lilly for causing chaos. Dr Leyla Hannbeck, CEO of the Independent Pharmacies Association, told the Daily Mail:
“It is completely unacceptable that Eli Lilly has caused instability with minimal notice and is now suspending supply until higher prices take effect.
Patients are being made to suffer due to profit-driven decisions, and there is still time for Eli Lilly to reverse this disastrous course.”
Pharmacies, already extending opening hours to advise patients on weight-loss jabs, warn that the temporary pause will only worsen the strain on staff and patients alike.
Global Pricing and Usage
Eli Lilly points out that the UK was one of the first countries to roll out Mounjaro, with prices significantly lower than the European average.
The company says the new price aligns with global standards to ensure a “fair contribution to the cost of innovation.”
Currently, at least half a million NHS patients and around 15 million in the US use weight-loss injections, which can help patients lose up to 20% of their body weight in a few months. Private use is even higher.
Official guidelines recommend these injections only for patients with a BMI over 35 and at least one weight-related health issue, or a BMI of 30–34.9 who qualify for specialist weight management referrals.
