On 23 December 2024 the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published the Technology Appraisal in relation to Tirzepatide (Mounjaro™) which is a new drug for managing obesity.

This medication is not currently available in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, as we work through a process and undertake clinical steps before for this is available for patients on prescription.

Initially, Tirzepatide will only be available if patients meet certain criteria in specialist weight management services whilst Integrated Care Boards (ICB) await further national guidance.

In the short term this medication will not be available from GP practices. NICE have indicated in the guidance that it could take up to 12 years to make it fully available to the eligible population.