Mounjaro maker wants NHS drug price rises in return for more investment in UK

US firm Eli Lilly, which is also pushing for end to rebate scheme, optimistic about talks with ministers

The US pharmaceutical group behind the Mounjaro weight-loss drug has said it will unpause its UK investments if ministers agree to regularly increase NHS drug prices and end a rebate scheme.

Patrik Jonsson, the president of Eli Lilly’s international business, said the company was in talks with UK ministers and that he was optimistic about reaching an agreement this summer for Britain to pay more for its medicines.