The HSE has said that a number of applications have been made for it to cover several weight-loss drugs, known as GLP-1 medications, and these are being considered within the HSE’s drug reimbursement process.
The HSE Drugs Group met yesterday and considered the drug Mounjaro, but no recommendation has been yet made to the HSE Senior Leadership Team on whether public patients should get it.
The drug, called Tirzepatide, is made by Ely Lily and it made a new pricing offer in recent months which would mean a cost to the State of about €2-€3 billion a year, if it was made available on the public system.
The HSE said that negotiations with manufacturers can take some time and there may be a number of meetings of the Drugs Group before a recommendation may be made to the HSE Senior Management team.
Mounjaro is one of a number of weight loss drugs available privately for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management.
A cost-benefit assessment on another weight loss drug Wegovy is also due soon.
The HSE said the State’s approach to these drugs also raises important matters of health policy and will require discussions over the coming months with the Department of Health and others, on the potential overall impact on the health budget.
One treatment for weight loss called Saxenda is available from the HSE for certain eligible patients, who meet the weight and health criteria.