Background – a steep Mounjaro price increase in the UK in 2025
As the Mounjaro price increase UK 2025 approaches, on 14 August 2025, the pharmaceutical manufacturer Eli Lilly announced that it would raise the UK list price of its weight‑loss and type 2 diabetes treatment Mounjaro by up to 170 %[1]. The company said the change would bring UK prices in line with other European countries and offset reductions in U.S. prices that stem from political pressure[2]. Lilly highlighted that when Mounjaro was launched in Britain, it deliberately set a low introductory price to expedite NHS availability[3]. From 1 September 2025:
- The wholesale price of Mounjaro’s 2.5 mg and 5 mg pen will rise from £92 to £133 and £180, respectively[4].
- The 5 mg and 7.5 mg pens will increase to £255 per month, up from £107.
- The 12.5 mg and 15 mg pens will increase to £330 per month, up from £122[5].
- Lilly confirmed that NHS pricing is unaffected, as it is under a separate agreement[6].
The manufacturer’s statement emphasised that the adjustment would “align the list price more consistently” across developed markets[7]. Lilly noted that higher prices in Europe would help cover innovation costs as the U.S. government pushes to lower domestic drug prices[8].
Why is the Mounjaro price increase UK 2025 happening?
Several factors underpin the price hike:
- Market alignment: Lilly stated that UK prices were initially set below other European countries to avoid delays in NHS availability. The company now wants “fair global contributions to the cost of innovation” and plans to align list prices across countries[7].
- S. political pressure: Reuters reported that the announcement came amid a White House push to lower drug prices in the United States. Lilly said that to achieve price cuts in the U.S., medicine prices in other developed markets need to increase[2].
- New clinical evidence: The Pharmaceutical Journal noted that Lilly cited “changes in the environment and new clinical evidence supporting the value of Mounjaro” when justifying the higher price[9].
- NHS not affected: The price rise applies only to private prescriptions; patients receiving Mounjaro through the NHS will not see changes[6]. Lilly is working with private providers and pharmacies to maintain patient access[10].
Impact of the Mounjaro price increase in the UK 2025 on patients – affordability, access and treatment adherence
The steep rise in tirzepatide costs has raised significant concerns among those who self‑fund their treatment:
- Financial burden: Simple Online Pharmacy estimates that the average monthly cost of Mounjaro across all doses (currently around £206.73) could exceed £550 after the Mounjaro price increase in the UK in 2025[11]. Patients who have been paying roughly £200 per month told The Guardian they were “horrified” by the hike and feared they could no longer justify the expense[12]. Some users have started to stock up on pens, risking safety and supply chain disruptions.
- Accessibility & adherence: Mounjaro is not widely available on the NHS; most users obtain it through private providers[13]. Higher prices may force patients to discontinue or reduce dosage, potentially interrupting weight‑loss and blood‑sugar control.
- Mental and physical health: Patients interviewed by The Guardian expressed anxiety about regaining weight or losing health benefits. One user feared that losing access would undo months of progress and described feeling “gutted”[14]. Another said they might switch to cheaper alternatives, even though they are less effective or have different side‑effect profiles[15].
- Alternative options: Healthcare providers suggest several strategies:
- Lower doses – switching to the lowest effective dose can reduce monthly costs[16].
- Switch to another GLP‑1 drug – treatments like Wegovy (semaglutide) or Saxenda may provide comparable benefits at a lower cost[17]. Some online pharmacies expect Wegovy to become cheaper than Mounjaro after September[18].
- Lifestyle support without medication – dietary changes, exercise and behavioural interventions can help maintain weight loss for those at the maintenance stage[19].
For a deeper comparison of these GLP‑1 options, including the benefits and drawbacks of tirzepatide versus semaglutide, read our earlier article “Unlocking the Power of GLP‑1 Agonists: Mounjaro vs. Wegovy in Weight Management”.
Impact of the Mounjaro price increase in the UK on wholesalers and pharmacies – supply chain and pricing strategies
The price change directly affects wholesalers and community pharmacies, many of whom act as gate‑keepers between manufacturers and private patients:
- Higher procurement costs: Pharmacies currently pay £92–122 per pen but will pay £133 for the 2.5 mg dose and £330 for the higher strengths[4]. This compresses margins and may force pharmacies to reconsider their pricing structures or absorb some of the cost to retain patients.
- Rebate schemes and commercial agreements: According to The Pharmaceutical Journal, Lilly has invited pharmacies to enter commercial agreements that include rebate schemes. Pharmacies will pay the new list price but may receive a rebate if they pass on discounts to patients[20]. Details of these rebates have not been made public[21].
- Price freezes and marketing tactics: Pharmacy2U, the UK’s largest online pharmacy, announced it would freeze Mounjaro prices “until further notice” despite the manufacturer’s increase[22]. Some online providers have offered “bundles” or long‑term subscription programmes to lock in current prices[23]. Regulators warn that stockpiling can cause supply shortages and is clinically inappropriate[24].
- Supply chain pressures: The expected rush to secure pens before the price rise may strain supply chains. Pharmacies and wholesalers must monitor stock levels carefully and work closely with approved distributors to prevent shortages or counterfeit products[25]. The National Pharmacy Association and Pharmadoctor stress that patients should receive face‑to‑face consultations every four weeks to ensure safe, monitored treatment[26].
Broader implications of the Mounjaro price increase for the UK GLP‑1 weight‑loss market
The jump in tirzepatide prices could reshape the competitive landscape for GLP‑1 receptor agonists:
- Shifting demand: Reports suggest that interest in Wegovy and Ozempic surged after the price rise announcement. Some online providers observed dramatic increases in Wegovy enquiries, reflecting a move toward lower‑cost semaglutide options[23]. With Mounjaro becoming significantly more expensive, Wegovy may become the UK’s leading weight‑loss drug.
- Pressure on other manufacturers: Competitors such as Novo Nordisk (Wegovy and Ozempic) may capitalise on the price differential. However, there is also speculation that semaglutide prices could rise if demand soars. Healthcare professionals urge caution and emphasise that switching drugs should be clinically guided[27].
- NHS programmes and pilot schemes: Mounjaro became eligible for primary care prescription on the NHS from 23 June 2025[28]. In August 2025, the Department of Health and Social Care announced pilot weight‑management programmes in community pharmacies, funded jointly by Lilly and the UK government[29]. If more patients turn to the NHS for support, these pilots may need expansion to manage demand.
- Long‑term market dynamics: The decision reflects a broader trend of pharmaceutical companies re‑evaluating pricing strategies in light of international policy changes. Aligning UK prices with Europe could be a precedent for other novel weight‑loss treatments, potentially leading to higher costs for privately funded patients across the GLP‑1 category.
Logan Pharma’s role – supporting partners through change
As a pharmaceutical wholesaler and trusted partner, Logan Pharmaceuticals is committed to supporting community pharmacies, clinics and healthcare providers through this period of change:
- Secure supply: We maintain relationships with approved manufacturers and distributors, ensuring that pharmacies have access to genuine Mounjaro stock and alternative GLP‑1 medicines. Our logistics team monitors demand to prevent shortages and maintain continuity.
- Pricing strategies: Logan Pharma works closely with pharmacies to develop pricing strategies that balance patient affordability with sustainable margins. We monitor rebate programmes and manufacturer agreements to pass on savings where possible.
- Clinical guidance: Our team collaborates with healthcare professionals to provide evidence‑based information on weight‑management injections. We offer educational materials comparing tirzepatide, semaglutide and other options so clinicians can help patients make informed decisions.
- Regulatory compliance: We ensure that all products meet UK regulatory standards and provide advice on legal and safe sourcing. We caution against bulk‑buying or unlicensed suppliers, echoing calls from professional bodies[25].
Call to action
If you are a pharmacy, clinic or healthcare provider concerned about the Mounjaro price increase UK 2025, contact Logan Pharma today. Our experts can help you navigate the new pricing landscape, secure reliable supplies and explore alternative GLP‑1 treatments. Together, we can continue to support patients on their weight-loss and diabetes-management journeys, despite evolving market conditions.
[1] [2] [3] [6] [10] Lilly to hike UK price of Mounjaro weight-loss drug by 170% | Reuters
[4] [5] [7] [8] [9] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [28] [29] UK’s biggest online pharmacy freezes Mounjaro price amid reports of ‘stockpiling’ – The Pharmaceutical Journal
[11] [16] [17] [18] [19] Mounjaro UK Price Increase: What it Means for You
[12] [13] [27] Mounjaro users in UK warned against bulk buying before autumn price rise | UK news | The Guardian
[14] [15] ‘Gutted’: UK users of weight loss jab Mounjaro devastated by planned price hike | Pharmaceuticals industry | The Guardian
