Weight-Loss Drug Access Restricted in Wales as NHS Develops New Clinical pathway
Cardiff, Wales – Access to the weight-loss drug tirzepatide on the National Health Service (NHS) in Wales has been temporarily paused as health officials develop a new “clinical pathway” aimed at ensuring equitable and sustainable access to these medications. An interim rule, issued Thursday by Sioned Rees, director of public health, and Andrew Evans, the Welsh Government’s chief pharmaceutical officer, now restricts prescriptions to specialist weight management services only.
The move comes amid a global surge in demand for weight-loss drugs like tirzepatide, semaglutide (Wegovy), and liraglutide (Saxenda), considerably outpacing available supply. The Welsh Government acknowledges “considerable demand for specialist weight management services and a growing pressure for access to these medications through the NHS.”
While new prescriptions are limited, patients already receiving these drugs through the NHS prior to the recent circular will be able to continue their treatment uninterrupted. The restriction does not apply to tirzepatide prescriptions for its other approved medical uses.
The new clinical pathway is designed to treat and manage obesity as a chronic, recurring condition, and to facilitate “equitable access to weight-loss drugs and associated wrap-around support,” according to Welsh Government officials. The pathway will focus on building capacity and capability across specialist,primary care,and community healthcare settings.
The national Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) typically requires new drugs to be available within two months of approval.However, recognizing the possibly “very large eligible cohort” for these medications, NICE granted an exemption, extending the implementation period in Wales to up to 12 years.
Officials stated the new pathways will ensure tirzepatide and other weight-loss medications can be made available “in a seamless, equitable, safe, and effective way.”
An exception to the specialist-only prescription rule exists for patients with specific high-need medical conditions, including those undergoing cancer treatment, awaiting organ transplants, or receiving fertility services.