A new weight loss jab has been rejected by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which approves treatments for use on the NHS. The watchdog said more evidence was needed on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of tirzepatide, sold under the brand name Mounjaro, before it could be recommended.
Developed by US pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, the weekly injection works alongside diet and exercise to treat adults with type 2 diabetes - a condition often linked or being overweight or inactive. The call for evidence comes just months after NICE approved a similar drug for NHS use, as reported by The Guardian.
Semaglutide sold as Wegovy, is approved for adults with at least one weight-related health condition as well as those who have a body mass index (BMI) which is near the top of the obese range. In a push to relieve pressure on the NHS from obesity related treatments, prime minister Rishi Sunak has said GPs could soon offer the injections to patients rather than having to go through a specialist.
While NICE has called for more evidence on tirzepatide, it has performed well in some clinical trials. Studies have shown tirzepatide at any dose resulted in better glucose control and weight loss compared with semaglutide or insulin therapy.
NICE said it "recognised the importance of new treatment options". But added that "more evidence is needed on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the drug before it is recommended for NHS use."
Helen Knight, the director of medicines evaluation at NICE, commented: "Type 2 diabetes is becoming more prevalent in society, so new treatment options are needed to help people with it to control their blood-glucose levels. Our committee can see the promise in tirzepatide but it requires more evidence to be able to evaluate both its clinical and cost effectiveness."
Data published by Eli Lilly in April revealed tirzepatide helped people with type 2 diabetes who were overweight or obese lose up to 16 per cent of their body weight, or more than 34lb (15.4kg) over nearly 17 months. Mounjaro works for weight loss by suppressing your appetite, similar to that of semaglutide products.
