U.K. Restricts Lilly’s Obesity Drug to Those in Greatest Need
In a move to adapt to the rising demand for obesity treatment, the U.K. announced that it will be offering Eli Lilly’s weight loss drug, tirzepatide, known as Mounjaro, starting next year. However, the country will be restricting access to the medicine to individuals with the greatest need. According to STAT, the U.K. health authorities recommended tirzepatide for individuals with a body mass index of over 35 and at least one related health condition. This criteria would potentially make 3.4 million patients eligible for the drug in England alone.
To manage the overwhelming demand, the U.K.’s National Health Service plans to prioritize roughly 220,000 individuals with the highest clinical need for tirzepatide. These patients will receive the drug in combination with a specialized, reduced-calorie diet, and increased physical activity. This limited launch aligns with the NHS’s goal of testing new services to care for people living with obesity while ensuring that healthcare professionals can address the full range of health needs effectively.
Pharmaceutical Layoffs Rise in the U.S.
On the domestic front, the U.S. pharmaceutical industry witnessed a surge in job layoffs last month. Challenger, Gray & Christmas, an outplacement and executive coaching firm, reported that 766 jobs were eliminated in November, surpassing the previous month’s count of 424 job cuts. Despite this increase, the number of job losses in November 2024 was lower than the 1,743 jobs shed in the same month in 2023.
Overall, biopharma companies in the U.S. have shed a total of 13,517 jobs this year, marking a 17.6% increase compared to the job cuts during the same period last year. This trend indicates a continued wave of restructuring within the industry, impacting the workforce on a significant scale.
Expert Insight: Ed Silverman on Pharmaceutical Industry Trends
Ed Silverman, a seasoned writer and Pharmalot columnist at STAT, brings a wealth of experience in covering the pharmaceutical industry for nearly three decades. Reflecting on the recent developments in the U.K. and the U.S., Silverman emphasizes the importance of balancing access to innovative treatments like tirzepatide with the need for sustainable healthcare practices. He notes that while advancements in drug therapies offer hope for patients, the industry must navigate challenges such as job layoffs and resource allocation to ensure long-term viability.
As we delve deeper into the dynamic landscape of the pharmaceutical sector, Silverman’s insights shed light on the multifaceted nature of healthcare decision-making and the delicate balance between innovation and operational realities. His expertise serves as a guiding beacon for industry stakeholders and consumers alike, navigating the complexities of healthcare delivery and access to transformative treatments.
