The new weight management medication, Tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro®), will be available to NHS patients nationally from 23 June.
In Lancashire and South Cumbria, while some people may currently qualify for the medication based on national eligibility criteria, it will not be available locally just yet. Please do not contact your GP as they are currently unable to help.
Who is eligible?
The first group of people eligible under the national criteria includes individuals who:
- Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 kg/m² or more (or 37.5 kg/m² for people from minority ethnic family backgrounds)
And have at least four of the following long-term conditions:
- Non-diabetic hyperglycaemia or type two diabetes
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Dyslipidaemia
- Established cardiovascular disease
- Obstructive sleep apnoea (formally diagnosed) (Source: NHS England Interim Commissioning Guidance – NICE TA1026)
Local roll out
Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) are currently looking at the options for a new specialist weight management service to cover Lancashire and South Cumbria. This service is being designed in response to feedback from local people about what matters most to them:
- Choice: Both face-to-face and online support and access to a range of treatment options.
- Accessibility: A service that is easy to access and inclusive.
- Timely: Access to services when they are needed most without long waiting lists.
- Holistic: A service that helps people change their relationship with food for the better.
What is next?
The ICB are working as quickly as possible to ensure we have sustainable services available in Lancashire and South Cumbria. We will share further updates as they become available to us.
Queries can be directed to the ICB patient experience team at lscicbfw.patientexperience@nhs.net