A medical marvel jab that helps diabetes patients to lose weight has been turned down by the NHS.
The NHS watchdog rejected the use of the injectable — named Mounjaro — which is said to be a miracle cure for fat loss.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) says it needs “more evidence” on the effects and benefits of Mounjaro, citing that they are not sure whether it represents good value for money to allow its use on the NHS.
The group recently approved a similar fat-loss jab named Wegovy which, like Mounjaro, suppresses appetite and helps level out blood-sugar levels.
Draft guidelines from NICE say it is “yet to be established if Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, represents good value for money, alongside diet and exercise, for adults with type 2 diabetes and a high body-mass index.”
Helen Knight, from NICE, said: “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.”
A consultation on the Nice guidance has started and will run until July 18.
Here’s everything we know.
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is an injectable medicine that must be prescribed and has been designed to be used alongside diet and exercise to help those with type 2 diabetes and/or obesity with weight management. It surpasses the appetite while improving blood-sugar levels and steadying the levels of glucose in an adult’s system.
Those who have created the medicine say it is “not a weight-loss drug” purely, but it helps to manage lifestyle factors and “decrease the amount one eats” to make it easier to manage diabetes symptoms.
The injectable also helps the body to release insulin when blood sugar is high, helps the removal of excess sugar from the liver, and slows down how quickly food leaves the stomach.
What have experts said about Mounjaro?
The drug is regularly used in the US, but it is yet to be approved in the UK.
However, trials have found it could be an effective treatment.
Researchers Eli Lily carried out trials with the medication, with stats showing that the drug could help people with type 2 diabetes who were overweight or obese “lose up to 16% of their body weight, or more than 34lb (15.4kg) over nearly 17 months”.
The trial worked alongside a total of 938 adult patients who were considered obese or overweight and had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and used the drug, plus a placebo, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Does Mounjaro have any side effects?
Yes. Mild and common side effects include nausea), diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. More seriously, research has shown that Mounjaro can cause thyroid cancer, inflammation of the pancreas, low blood sugar, kidney problems, and changes in vision, among other symptoms.
Mounjaro cannot be used for people with type 1 diabetes and it is not known if Mounjaro is safe and effective for use in children under 18 years of age.
What weight-loss drugs are approved by the NHS?
Treatment for obesity on the NHS varies, depending on lifestyle factors and the level of BMI for each patient. GPs can offer help, advice, and sometimes even offer gym memberships and fat-loss group memberships to help people struggling with their weight.
In more extreme cases, a range of medications can be offered. Orlistat is one which works by “preventing around a third of the fat from the food you eat being absorbed. The undigested fat is not absorbed into your body and is passed out with your poo”. The medication is taken with every meal.
Liraglutide (also called Saxenda) is another weight-loss medicine that can be prescribed. The injection works by making you feel fuller and less hungry.
The latest injectable to be made available on the NHS is Wegovy, which was recommended for use in June this year, and is also an injectable that helps suppress appetite.
