Eli Lilly hikes price of diabetes drug Mounjaro in UK as Trump pressures pharma to align drug costs

Core Viewpoint - Eli Lilly is increasing the list price of its diabetes drug Mounjaro in the U.K. starting September, while maintaining access for patients under the National Health Service (NHS) amid pressures from the U.S. government to lower drug prices domestically and raise them abroad [1][2][6]. Pricing Changes - The current list price of Mounjaro in the U.K. ranges from £92 (approximately $124.89) to £122 per month, and the new price will increase to between £133 and £330 starting September 1 [5]. - In the U.S., the list price for a month's supply of Mounjaro is $1,079.77 before insurance and other rebates [5]. Government Relations - Eli Lilly has reached an agreement with the U.K. government to increase the list price while ensuring continued access for NHS patients [2][3]. - The NHS stated that the price increase will not affect the commissioning of tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro) for eligible patients [4]. Industry Context - The price hike comes in response to U.S. President Trump's call for drugmakers to lower prices in the U.S. while increasing them abroad, as part of a broader strategy to balance drug costs across developed countries [6][7]. - U.S. prescription drug prices are reported to be two to three times higher than those in other developed nations, with some prices up to ten times higher in certain countries [8]. Company Position - Eli Lilly supports the Trump administration's goal of making the U.S. a leading destination for biopharmaceutical research and manufacturing, advocating for a fairer distribution of research costs across developed markets [6]. - The company opposes planned tariffs on pharmaceuticals imported into the U.S., arguing that they would raise costs and limit patient access [8].