Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of the weight-loss drug Mounjaro, has implemented a temporary UK-wide freeze on jab orders and announced a significant price hike, effective September 1, citing 'unprecedented demand' and a need for 'fair global contributions to the cost of innovation'. The pharmaceutical giant stated that the wholesale price for a month's supply of the highest dose will soar from £122 to £330, while mid-range doses like the 5mg pen will increase from approximately £92 to £180. Lilly initially launched Mounjaro in the UK at a price 'significantly below the European average to prevent delays in NHS availability', a strategy they now say must change.

This announcement has triggered widespread panic buying among patients, leading to many pharmacies running out of stock and prompting concerns about a surge in black market activity. Pharmacies have reported 'Covid-style' panic buying, with patients attempting to register with multiple outlets to secure supplies. To prevent stockpiling at the current lower prices, Lilly requested a freeze on Mounjaro orders for all UK customers from August 27 until September 1. Despite this, distributors like Phoenix clarified that there are no supply issues that would prevent the sale of the drug from the beginning of September.

Experts fear the impending price increase could push more people towards unregulated sources. Robert Bradshaw, superintendent pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, warned of the dangers of purchasing from unofficial channels, which could result in fake jabs, contaminated products, incorrect dosages, or different active ingredients, all posing serious health risks. These concerns are further substantiated by Border Force seizures at Heathrow between June 2024 and June 2025, which intercepted over 18,000 illegal weight-loss and diabetes medications, including counterfeit Mounjaro pens.

Patients facing affordability challenges post-hike are being advised to consult their prescribers or GPs about switching to alternative weight-loss injections or medications. While Wegovy, produced by Novo Nordisk, is a common alternative, direct 'mg-for-mg' switching is not possible due to differing drug strengths. Clinical trials show Mounjaro delivers superior weight loss, with patients losing an average of up to 22.5% of their body weight over 72 weeks at the highest dose, compared to Wegovy's up to 17.5% over the same period.

As the new pricing structure takes effect, pharmacies are revealing their charges. Online pharmacist Curely offers the 2.5mg dose for £136.80 and the highest dose for £270, while Boots lists the 15mg dose at £335. However, there may be some relief for patients as leaked documents suggest Eli Lilly might be partially U-turning on the full extent of the price hike, with the highest dose potentially rising to £247.50, nearly £100 less than initially planned. An Eli Lilly spokesperson stated they are 'working with private providers on commercial arrangements to maintain affordability' and expect these to be passed on to patients.

Weight-loss jabs are increasingly popular, with at least half a million NHS patients and 15 million US patients reportedly using them, and even higher numbers privately. Official guidelines dictate that these jabs should be prescribed to patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 35 and at least one weight-related health problem, or those with a BMI of 30 to 34.9 who meet criteria for referral to a specialist weight management service. The UK's ongoing obesity crisis, with nearly two-thirds of adults in England overweight and a quarter obese, costs the NHS over £11 billion annually, highlighting the significant role of such medications.