The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has accepted tirzepatide for use alongside diet and exercise to treat adults living with type 2 diabetes.
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has accepted tirzepatide, which has the brand name Mounjaro, used alongside diet and exercise, to treat adults living with type 2 diabetes.
It can be used on its own, or alongside other medicines for treating type 2 diabetes.
SMC has accepted tirzepatide for restricted use. The restriction means that tirzepatide can be used to treat lower blood glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, alongside other medicines used to treat diabetes when a type of medicine called a GLP-1 agonist would be considered.
John Kinnear, National Director, Diabetes Scotland, said:
“We welcome the Scottish Medicines Consortium’s decision to approve tirzepatide to be prescribed on the NHS as this will provide another effective treatment option for managing type 2 diabetes. It is very promising that the trial data showed great improvements in blood glucose management and weight loss.
“The current GLP-1 medication shortages are causing stress and uncertainty for many people with type 2 diabetes. While the approval of tirzepatide is welcome, we are calling for more action to ensure ongoing and sufficient supply of these medications to people with type 2 diabetes.”
This document summarises the SMC decision and what it means for people living with diabetes.
