Sales of the drug Ozempic in the UK have increased by more than 500 percent following the announcement that the price of the country's most popular weight-loss drug, Mounjaro, is to increase by 100 percent from September 1, the Times reported on Monday.
Mounjaro's US manufacturer, Eli Lilly, has announced an increase in its UK retail price to bring it into line with prices in other countries.
As the British newspaper explains, this is related to the policy of US President Donald Trump, who in July demanded that American pharmaceutical companies lower prices for patients in the country and stop other countries from using cheap American drugs.
Currently, Mounjaro is the most popular injectable weight-loss medication among Britons. The cost of a monthly, non-reimbursable treatment is approximately £200, although this price may vary depending on the dose. From the beginning of September, the price of a 5 mg dose will increase from £92 to £180, and the maximum 15 mg dose from £122 to £330.
Following the announcement of a price increase for Mounjaro, British pharmacies reported a drastic jump in sales of Wegovy, also known as Ozempic, which is produced by the Danish company Novo Nordisk for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and is sometimes used by people without the condition as a weight-loss aid.
According to the Times, in the first 24 hours after the Mounjaro price increase was announced on Thursday, Ozempic sales increased by 400 percent, and after another 48 hours, it increased to 600 percent.
British doctors warn patients not to arbitrarily decide to change medications, as this may result in serious health consequences.
From London Marta Zabłocka (PAP)
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