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.
