U.S. pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly has signed a major investment deal with the U.K. to explore the use of obesity drugs to tackle joblessness and health challenges. The company plans to commit £279 million to launch a real-world study to assess how tirzepatide, the treatment behind its weight-loss drugs, impacts weight loss, diabetes prevention, and obesity-related complications. The study will also investigate how weight-loss drugs affect participants’ employment status and sick days from work. The collaboration with the U.K.’s Department of Health and Social Care aims to add to the evidence base on the impact of obesity treatments on health and explore outcomes including quality of life and employment status.
The U.K. is facing a high rate of economic inactivity, with obesity contributing to long-term sickness and impacting productivity. British Health and Social Care Minister Wes Streeting highlighted the significant burden of obesity on the economy and the NHS, costing billions of pounds each year. The partnership with Eli Lilly aims to address these challenges and build a healthier society and economy.
While the use of obesity drugs for economic outcomes raises ethical and efficacy concerns, Eli Lilly’s investment will also support early-stage life sciences businesses in the U.K. through the launch of their first “Lilly Gateway Labs” innovation accelerator. The company plans to make additional investments in the U.K. in the coming years.
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Eli Lilly to test weight loss drugs in U.K. as potential solution for unemployment
