On August 28, 2025, Eli Lilly announced a significant price increase for its weight-loss drug Mounjaro, with the UK list price rising by up to 170%. However, some UK pharmacies are intervening to protect users from the full impact.
Eli Lilly’s price increase, effective September 1, 2025, will raise the cost of a month’s supply of Mounjaro’s highest dosage from £122 to £330, representing a 170% increase. This decision aims to align UK prices with those in European markets, in response to pressure from former US President Donald Trump to address global pricing disparities. However, a confidential rebate scheme reduces the cost for suppliers to £247.50 for the highest dose, which helps limit the price increase for consumers to under 50% in many cases.
Pharmacies and private providers are taking steps to keep Mounjaro affordable by absorbing some of the costs. Chemist4U has prioritised existing patients by holding back stock to ensure continuity of supply. The National Pharmacy Association noted that while this rebate helps offset some of the price increases, patients should still expect a rise in costs. Additionally, providers like Second Nature have frozen prices for current customers, shielding them from sudden increases. current customers, shielding them from sudden increases.
💉 Weight loss drugs are about to get much more expensive – with the cost of Mounjaro set to rise by 170% in September
💰 Shipments to the UK have been halted before the cost rises from £122 to £330 for the highest dose
⬇️ Drugs Minister Maree Todd says it was ‘inevitable’ pic.twitter.com/iZM4jxRaNs
— Clyde 1 News (@Clyde1News) August 28, 2025Mounjaro, prescribed for obesity and type 2 diabetes, serves over 1.5 million users in the UK, with 90% paying privately, according to BBC reports. The NHS, which provides Mounjaro to around 220,000 eligible patients, remains unaffected by the price increase due to a separate pricing agreement. However, private users, especially those requiring higher doses, may encounter difficulties. Some patients are switching to Wegovy, a more affordable alternative, although medical supervision is advised.
The price increase comes after Eli Lilly paused supply to prevent stockpiling, which has led to shortages for some patients. Dr. Leyla Hannbeck from the Independent Pharmacies Association expressed her disappointment, emphasising the negative impact on patients who are already struggling with costs. The push for price parity in the U.S., highlighted by Trump’s letter to drugmakers in July 2025, has contributed to this adjustment. According to Reuters, the price for Mounjaro in the U.S. is now $1,079 per fill.
