FOI 2025/1282

It relates to the provision of tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for weight loss/obesity in primary care within the ICB area. The drug was approved by NICE on 23 December 2024, with an implementation date 180 days later, as agreed with NHS England (ie 23 June 2025).

1. Was tirzepatide available through primary care services in the ICB area to patients with obesity as of 23 June 2025?
2. If not, when will the drug be available?
3. What criteria does/will the ICB set for determining eligibility for treatment? Please specify BMI level, any additional health criteria, and whether other factors are taken into account, eg weight loss required for surgery.
4. How many people does the ICB calculate would be eligible for treatment in the first 12 months using the above criteria? If the calculation is based on financial year rather than the first 12 months from implementation date of the guidelines, please specify and use that figure.
5. Is there a cap on how many eligible patients will be treated in the first 12 months/this financial year (please specify time period used)?

1. Prescribing of tirzepatide for weight management in primary care in Greater Manchester (GM) is not permitted until the supporting Primary Care Model has been finalised and implemented, in line with the commissioning statement published on the Greater Manchester Medicines Management Group (GMMMG) website. This position is reflected within the GM Formulary entry for tirzepatide under section 04.05.01 – Anti-obesity drugs acting on the gastrointestinal tract ( please see the GM formulary for reference).
2. A specific date for availability in primary care has not yet been confirmed. Prescribing will be permitted once the supporting Primary Care Model has been finalised and implemented, in line with the commissioning statement.
3. NHS Greater Manchester (NHS GM) has locally adopted the NHS England (NHSE) eligibility criteria outlined in the NHSE interim commissioning guidance for tirzepatide implementation. In GM, additional prioritisation within Cohort 1 has been applied based on BMI value . Please see the GM commissioning statement published on the GMMMG website for further details.
4. In Year 1 (Cohort 1), there are approximately 4,004 patients in GM who meet the eligibility criteria as defined by NHSE.
5. No formal cap has been set on the number of eligible patients to be treated in the first 12 months/this financial year. However, there is a limited financial envelope provided by NHSE to support treatment in Year 1 for Cohort 1.