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Tariff Threats Loom Over Weight Loss Drug Supply
President Donald Trump’s proposed tariff measures are raising concerns about the availability of popular weight loss medications, potentially affecting millions who rely on them for managing their weight. Experts warn that these tariffs could jeopardize the supply of breakthrough treatments like Ozempic and Mounjaro in the UK.
Trump’s Pharmaceutical Tariff Initiative
This week, the former President declared his intention to impose significant tariffs on the pharmaceutical sector. The aim is to incentivize the relocation of drug manufacturing back to the United States. Trump previously stated the nation faces a “tremendous problem” due to insufficient domestic antibiotic production.
Industry Leaders Fear Supply Chain Disruption
However, industry leaders in Britain are now expressing apprehension that these tariffs could disrupt the flow and potentially inflate the prices of crucial medications. Of particular concern are slimming injections like Mounjaro and Ozempic, which have been celebrated as major advancements in addressing obesity.
Expert Warnings: Patients at Risk
Experts have cautioned that patients might become “casualties of a global trade war,” urging the UK government to vigilantly observe the unfolding situation.
Company Chemists’ Association Expresses Concern
Malcolm Harrison, Chief Executive of the Company Chemists’ Association, representing major pharmacy chains such as Boots and Superdrug, conveyed to MailOnline that the proposed tariffs could indeed impact the supply of these injections.
He elaborated, “Global medicine supply chains are intricate, often involving the movement of ingredients, materials, and finished products across numerous international borders. We strongly advise the government to closely monitor the circumstances.”
Public Health Expert Highlights Potential ‘Chaos’
Professor Martin McKee, a public health specialist at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, echoed these concerns, telling The i that pharmaceutical tariffs could trigger “chaos.”
He added, “The specific impact on weight-loss drugs remains uncertain. However, we cannot dismiss the possibility of disruptions, affecting them along with other medications.”
Professor McKee further noted to MailOnline the pre-existing complexity of the pharmaceutical supply chain.
“Trade negotiations are lengthy processes, and tariff decisions should not be impulsively made by those lacking understanding,” he stated.
“Pharmaceutical manufacturers selling in the U.S. are undoubtedly working to understand the ramifications of President Trump’s evolving directives. Definitive predictions are speculative. One certainty is that this is not an opportune moment for significant investments in the United States.”
Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s Patient Safety Concerns
Professor Claire Anderson, President of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), similarly warned that patients could “end up the casualties in a global trade war.”
“Vulnerabilities in the supply chain impede patient access to treatment, leading to frustration, anxiety, and potentially, harm to patient health,” she emphasized.
Pharmaceutical Companies React to Tariff Announcement
President Trump asserted that US-based multinational pharmaceutical corporations with overseas operations would “rush back” to the country to avoid increased costs associated with international business.
Following his pronouncements, stock values for major American drug manufacturers, including Eli Lilly, the producer of Mounjaro, experienced declines.
Eli Lilly manufactures Tirzepatide, the active component in Mounjaro, in Ireland, making it Ireland’s top pharmaceutical export to the United States.
David Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly, expressed reservations about Trump’s tariffs in comments to the BBC last week, indicating the company might reconsider its European supply network.
Mr. Ricks stated Eli Lilly would need to “examine the flow of goods to avoid unnecessary tariff payments.”
The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), whose members include Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, also voiced “strong concerns” on Tuesday regarding the tariff implications.
Expert Suggests Manufacturers Can Absorb Costs
Conversely, some experts propose that drug manufacturers could absorb tariff costs, given the high profitability of weight loss injections.
Dr. Andrew Hill, a senior visiting research fellow at the University of Liverpool, informed MailOnline, “The estimated production cost for semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, is approximately £4 per month.”
He continued, “Yet, semaglutide injections in the UK are frequently priced between £150 and £200 per month.”
“Novo Nordisk generates substantial profits and should be capable of absorbing tariff expenses. Their 2024 profits exceeded $18 billion.”
“As a European company, costs from exports within Europe to the UK should remain unaffected.”
MailOnline has reached out to Eli Lilly for comment. Novo Nordisk declined to comment when contacted.
Weight Loss Jab Usage and Potential Side Effects
It’s estimated that at least half a million NHS patients and around 15 million individuals in the US are currently using weight loss injections. These medications can facilitate weight reduction of up to 20 percent of body weight within months.
They have also demonstrated effectiveness in lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Reported adverse effects include constipation, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and hair loss.
Prescription Guidelines and Online Scams
Official guidelines stipulate that weight loss injections should be prescribed only to patients with a BMI over 35 and at least one weight-related health issue, or those with a BMI between 30 and 34.9 meeting specific criteria for specialist referral.
UK law mandates prescriptions from medical professionals for the sale of these drugs.
Warnings Regarding Unlicensed Online Retailers
Last year, the RPS also issued warnings about fraudulent online retailers masquerading as pharmacies, potentially targeting vulnerable individuals with counterfeit and potentially contaminated versions of these weight loss injections.