The cost of the 'King Kong' weight-loss jab Mounjaro, manufactured by Eli Lilly, will not be as high as initially feared, despite an earlier announcement of significant price increases. Earlier this month, Eli Lilly declared that wholesale prices for Mounjaro would more than double from September 1, with the highest dose set to rise from £122 to £330 a month, and mid-range doses like the 5mg pen jumping from approximately £92 to £180. However, documents seen by the Daily Mail reveal that pharmacists and private providers have successfully negotiated commercial deals with Lilly to keep prices lower. Under these new arrangements, the top dose will now increase to £247.50, nearly £100 less than the previously announced list price, with similar discounts applied to lower strengths.

Eli Lilly confirmed these commercial arrangements, stating, 'We are working with private providers on commercial arrangements to maintain affordability and expect these to be passed onto patients when the change is effective on 1 September. We are already seeing providers respond in different ways to the list price change, with a range of options available for eligible patients.' The company also clarified its rationale for the price adjustment, noting that the UK was one of the first countries to introduce Mounjaro, and its list price had been considerably lower than the European average. This adjustment aims to align the list price more consistently to ensure fair global contribution to the cost of innovation.

The initial announcement of the price hike caused widespread panic among slimmers, leading to a rush to stockpile months' worth of Mounjaro injection pens. Social media users boasted of their acquisitions, and pharmacies warned of