UK's MHRA authorises Lilly's Mounjaro for weight loss

(Reuters) -Britain's health regulator on Wednesday authorised Eli Lilly's diabetes drug Mounjaro for weight management and weight loss in the UK, hours after a similar approval in the United States.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency approved the drug for adults aged 18 and over and added that the medicine is to be used together with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

"We have drawn on advice from the independent Commission on Human Medicines in coming to our decision, and as with all products, will keep the safety of Mounjaro under close review," MHRA Interim Executive Director Julian Beach said.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also approved Lilly's drug for weight loss under the brand name Zepbound.

(Reporting by Anchal Rana in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta)