NHS costs for diabetes drug soar despite monopoly concerns

Summarised from Edinburgh Live's report · Updated 13 Oct, 13:08 · Archive

GLP-1 medicines for type two diabetes are costing the NHS in Lothian an extra £3 million per year, prompting criticism of brand monopolies.

GLP-1 medicines used to treat type two diabetes are significantly increasing prescription costs for the NHS in Lothian, rising by approximately £3 million per year. The estimated overspend on prescriptions in Midlothian has risen from £50,000 to £1.7 million, with GLP-1 medications having a substantial impact on these figures.

Eli Lilly, manufacturer of Mounjaro and Foundayo, has been accused of operating a monopoly in the sector. Councillor Connor McManus, chair of Midlothian's Integration Joint Board, which oversees health and social care spending, described the effect of brands on prescription medication prices as 'sad'. Financial officer Ellie Ho told the board that whilst part of the sudden cost increase was caused by an error in the initial estimate, GLP-1 drugs were pushing up costs across the region. She stressed that costs in Midlothian related solely to diabetes treatment, with no figures available for weight loss applications.

Read the report

• Midlothian health chair criticises 'brand monopoly' for rising drug costsMakers of Mounjaro and other medicines used to treat type two diabetes and obesity have hit back after they were accused of monopolising the sectorEdinburgh Live · 13 Oct, 12:04

In this story: Eli Lilly · Councillor Connor McManus · Midlothian · Lothian · Ellie Ho

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