UK initiates £40 million pilot to increase accessibility of obesity drugs

The UK government has unveiled a new initiative aimed at improving accessibility to obesity drugs and reducing waiting lists in the National Health Service (NHS).

Valued at £40 million ($50 million), this two-year pilot programme seeks to explore innovative ways of providing obesity medications to individuals outside of hospital settings, the government announced on Wednesday (07).

Prime Minister Sunak has emphasised the importance of reducing hospital waiting lists as a key priority.

However, the NHS has faced significant challenges, experiencing a demanding winter period marked by record-high waiting lists and staff strikes in response to soaring double-digit inflation.

Meanwhile, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is actively evaluating the potential use of Tirzepatide, a drug currently approved for diabetes treatment, as a potential solution for weight loss.

If granted a license in the near future, Tirzepatide could offer significant benefits in addressing obesity.

As part of the pilot programme, careful consideration will be given to the safe prescription of these drugs by general practitioners.

The objective is to explore how healthcare professionals outside of hospitals, such as general practitioners, can effectively and safely prescribe obesity medications.

Additionally, the pilot will assess how the NHS can provide necessary support either within the community or through digital platforms.

The government has acknowledged the NICE’s recommendation of the weight loss drug Semaglutide, also known as Wegovy.

However, the government highlights that NICE's advice suggests limited accessibility to the drug, as it recommends that it should only be available through specialist weight management services predominantly based in hospitals.

To address this concern and ensure wider access to Semaglutide, the government is actively exploring strategies to expand its availability beyond hospital settings.

By reevaluating the current restrictions, the aim is to create pathways that enable individuals to access Semaglutide through various healthcare channels, ultimately increasing accessibility and facilitating effective weight management.

(Reuters)