The UK government is set to invest nearly £300 million in trials for weight-loss jabs, partnering with Eli Lilly to combat the nation's growing obesity crisis. Eli Lilly will provide £279 million to fund research into effective weight management strategies.
The centerpiece of this collaboration is a five-year trial in Manchester, focusing on the weight-loss jab tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro. This drug is a direct competitor to Ozempic and will be administered in community settings to assess its real-world effectiveness.
The trial aims to provide data that will inform the National Health Service (NHS) on the potential for a large-scale rollout of weight-loss drugs. Researchers will also investigate the utility of digital tools, such as mobile apps, in promoting healthier lifestyles and sustained weight loss.