New fat-buster injection is coming to the UK in weeks
A NEW weight-loss injection will be available in Britain in weeks to treat patients with type 2 diabetes or obesity after being approved by the medicines regulator.
In trials, Mounjaro helped those on the highest doses lose more than three stone on average.
The drug, also known as tirzepatide, was approved for use in November last year but has not been available in the UK due to enormous global demand.
But after the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency became the world’s first regulator to approve its use in a more convenient device, the drug’s US maker has said it would soon be able to supply the drug to the UK.
Mounjaro can be injected under the skin of the stomach, thigh or upper arm using the device – known as a KwikPen. The pen gives four doses of the drug, manufactured by US pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, once a week over a month. It was previously available only in single doses.
It has been approved to treat adults with type 2 diabetes and for weight management in obese adults, as well as overweight adults with weightrelated health problems such as high blood pressure or heart problems.
The development means there will be an alternative to Wegovy, also known as semaglutide, which has been approved for use on the NHS but is also in short supply globally.
Douglas Twenefour, head of care at Diabetes UK, said: ‘Supporting people with type 2 diabetes to lose weight and manage their blood sugar levels is key to reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications and tirzepatide expands the range of treatment options available to help people achieve this.’
The jab was approved for NHS use in September by Nice, but only for patients with type 2 diabetes who do not have the disease under control.
It has yet to be approved for NHS use to treat obesity, although it can be purchased privately.
It helps to reduce sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes, and also helps weight management by making a patient feel fuller.
The MHRA’s Julian Beach said: ‘The public health importance of safe and effective treatments to help manage diabetes and obesity is clear.’
‘Expands range of treatment options’