NA requests rapid reimb listing for diabetes drug Mounjaro

Rep Miae Kim submits written inquiry during the Ministry of Health and Welfare NA Audit

MOHW ‘Discussed target population and evaluation methods...plans to reflect in reimbursement criteria’

The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) announced that it will reflect the results of the October expert advisory meeting in reimbursement criteria for Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Eli Lilly’s dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, following growing calls for its rapid inclusion under the National Health Insurance for type 2 diabetes.

 

The ministry also stated it is working to ensure the smooth reimbursement process for Ozempic (semaglutide), Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 receptor agonist, which was reviewed by the Drug Reimbursement Evaluation Committee in October.

 

On the 10th, Miae Kim, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, inquired about the current status of the reimbursement application process for Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes during a written inquiry session for the Ministry of Health and Welfare's comprehensive audit.

 

She also questioned the plans for utilizing the expedited listing system, which reflects international drug prices and reimbursement cases.

 

According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Mounjaro applied for reimbursement approval in March last year and was discussed by the Drug Reimbursement Criteria Subcommittee in May of the same year.

 

Subsequent evaluations on its reimbursement adequacy were conducted in August and December 2023, and March and June 2024 by the Cost-Effectiveness Evaluation Subcommittee.

 

The Ministry explained, “The company applied for reimbursement of Mounjaro in March last year and is currently undergoing a review on its reimbursement adequacy.

 

The drug is being reviewed in accordance with HIRA regulations, referencing factors such as its listing status in other countries, listed prices, and coverage criteria.” It added, “To ensure appropriate use of the GLP-1 agonists Mounjaro and Ozempic for diabetes patients, HIRA held an expert advisory meeting last October to discuss patient selection criteria and evaluation methods.

 

The findings will be reflected in the drug's reimbursement criteria.” Rep.

 

Seo Mi-hwa of the Democratic Party of Korea also inquired about the Ministry's stance on reviewing insurance coverage for new drugs to strengthen diabetes management.

 

The Ministry responded, “We agree that the health insurance coverage of new diabetes drugs should be actively reviewed.

 

Currently, GLP-1 receptor agonists Ozempic and Mounjaro are undergoing the listing process.

 

We will closely monitor to ensure the listing process proceeds smoothly and continue our efforts to improve treatment accessibility.”