Drug approved for difficult-to-manage type 2 diabetes

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A drug that may be more effective than semaglutide is to be available on the NHS for patients with type 2 diabetes.

In final draft guidance, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends tirzepatide, also known as Mounjaro, a treatment developed by Eli Lilly, in adults alongside diet and exercise.

It comes after initially rejecting the drug in June, after the committee said further analyses were needed of the clinical evidence and cost effectiveness.

NICE said its independent committee recognised that almost two in three people with type 2 diabetes do not have the disease under control with current medicines, which can lead to serious complications including kidney disease, eye problems, stroke and heart attack.

Clinical trials showed tirzepatide, which is injected weekly by the patient, resulted in 81% to 97% of people reaching better glucose control and 54% to 88% reaching a 5% or greater reduction in body weight together with significant reductions in blood sugar levels and body weight compared with semaglutide, insulin therapy or a placebo.