UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) committee has recommended Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) as a new treatment alternative for patients with type 2 diabetes in England and Wales.
Manufactured by pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, Tirzepatide is a weekly GLP-1 analogue that is combined with a GIP analogue.
Tirzepatide has been recommended by NICE as an alternative to other GLP-1s to treat persons with type 2 diabetes who have a body mass index (BMI) of 35kg/m2 or above and additional psychosocial or physical issues, along with diet and exercise.
Additionally, type 2 diabetics with a BMI under 35 kg/m2 who would be affected by the risk of hypoglycaemia from using insulin or those who might have improvements in other obesity-related health conditions with weight loss may be prescribed it, Diabetes UK said.
According to data from clinical trials, Tirzepatide was significantly more effective at lowering blood sugar levels and body weight than semaglutide, insulin treatment, or a placebo.
The use of Tirzepatide also caused 81% to 97% of users to get better glucose control and 54% to 88% to achieve a 5% or more body weight reduction, which were said to be significantly more than any of the comparator treatments, NICE added.
NICE medicines evaluation director Helen Knight said: “Our committee recognised the potential tirzepatide has to provide an effective and good value treatment option for all those living with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.”
“Poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, with its associated additional health risks, is a huge challenge for those living with the condition and the National Health Service (NHS). This recommendation will offer fresh hope for many and provide value for money for the taxpayer.”
The committee was able to make the positive recommendation after the company submitted additional clinical and cost-effectiveness evaluations and modelling following the initial consultation.
The final guidelines are expected to be released on 11 October 2023.
The product will be made accessible in the UK’s NHS within three months after the publication of the final guidance depending on the manufacturer’s ability to produce licensed goods.
