FOI 2025/1495

Under the Freedom of Information Act I would like to request the following information please:

1. Has the ICB started prescribing Tirzepatide/Mounjaro in line with the NICE Technology Appraisal TA1026 and the NICE funding variation for tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for the management of obesity?
2. If yes, how are patients accessing the treatment? E.g. through their GP or a specialist service.
3. If yes, how much has the ICB so far spent on tirzepatide for the management of obesity?
4. If no, is there a planned start date?
5. If no, what is causing the delay?

1. Yes, starting with those patients with the greatest clinical need and then progressing through the clinical cohort.
2. There are three models of delivery in NHS Greater Manchester (NHS GM). Most localities have adopted a GP model where patients can access tirzepatide through their own GP. Two localities have adopted a single provider model, delivered by their local GP Federation and GPs refer their patients. In the remaining locality, patients can access via the Specialist Weight Management Service.  All are working to the same pathway/service specification.
3. NHS GM incurs the cost of prescribed drugs through recharges from the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) on the basis of the costs of drugs dispensed by prescription for NHS GM patients. NHS GM receives this information two months in arrears from NHSBSA. Therefore, owing to the date that prescriptions were permitted to be issued for NHS GM patients, NHS GM does not at present hold information as to the current cost of these drugs. Therefore, you may wish to contact NHSBA directly who may be able to provide the information you seek. To assist you please find a link to their website and how to make a Freedom of Information request below.

Freedom of Information | NHSBSA

4. N/A
5. N/A