Eli Lilly Raises Mounjaro Price by 170% in UK Amid Global Pricing Strategy Shift
August 15, 2025
This price hike aligns the UK price more closely with European averages and is part of Eli Lilly's broader effort to balance drug prices across developed markets, partly in response to the US 'Most Favoured Nation' policy.
Eli Lilly states that the original UK price was below European levels and that the new pricing reflects more equitable global costs, with the company also negotiating price adjustments in other European countries.
The US government, under Trump’s initiatives, has sought to harmonize drug prices internationally, though experts question the legal power of such measures to directly lower US drug prices.
Global pharmaceutical pricing convergence is reshaping industry strategies, with geopolitical pressures influencing profitability and prompting companies to consider reshoring manufacturing to mitigate supply chain risks.
NICE guidelines recommend at least a year of monitoring post-treatment with Mounjaro, emphasizing behavioral support and community engagement to maximize treatment success.
Despite the price increase, access through the NHS remains unaffected, as Eli Lilly continues supplying Mounjaro at current NHS rates, while private patients may face higher costs or switch to competitors like Novo Nordisk's Wegovy.
The US pays nearly three times more for prescription drugs than other countries, fueling political debates and policy proposals aimed at linking US drug prices to international levels.
Geopolitical risks, including potential tariffs and supply chain disruptions, are prompting pharma companies to consider reshoring manufacturing despite high costs, to ensure stable supply.
Eli Lilly is also negotiating price adjustments across Europe, indicating a strategic shift aligned with US policies and international efforts to address drug pricing disparities.
Eli Lilly has announced a 170% price increase for its weight-loss drug Mounjaro in the UK, raising the monthly cost from £122 ($165) to £330 ($447), effective September, marking a significant shift in their pricing strategy.
Emerging markets like India and Brazil present growth opportunities for pharma firms due to higher pricing flexibility, but face regulatory and competitive challenges that may limit profitability.
The move is also a strategic response to political pressures, including former US President Donald Trump's calls for international drug price standardization, aiming to support US leadership in pharmaceutical innovation.
While the NHS in the UK will continue to receive Mounjaro at current rates, private healthcare providers and consumers will face higher costs, potentially impacting access and market growth.
Summary based on 7 sources
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Sources

BBC News • Aug 14, 2025
Cost of weight loss drug Mounjaro may rise significantly
The Independent • Aug 15, 2025
Mounjaro weight-loss drug price to almost triple in UK after Trump complaint
Daily Record • Aug 14, 2025
Price of weight loss drug Mounjaro to rise - how much more users will pay