27 March 2026: From 1st April 2026, following approval by NICE, tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) will be available in the NHS for Doctors to prescribe for eligible patients who meet the strict, nationally-set, criteria.
The first group of patients eligible for assessment (Cohort 1) to identify their suitability for Mounjaro were patients whose BMI was 40 or higher, and with four or more of the qualifying comorbidities (hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes) Anyone not meeting these criteria (identified on a national search provided to the practice) were not be eligible for assessment in the first year of the drug being available.
The practice is awaiting guidance and details of the new search criteria for Cohort 2, along with the training that GP’s will need to attend before they can start to prescribe.
Please do not contact your GP; if you are eligible to be assessed you will be contacted over the coming months and invited to attend an appointment for assessment. Those with the greatest clinical need will be contacted first.
If you wish to purchase Mounjaro privately, please do not use an appointment with the doctor to discuss your suitability, this has to be completed by the private organisation that you are planning to approach to purchase your medication.
For more information about alternative local weight management services, visit the ICS website – Local Weight Management services – Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, ICS .
