Effective today, October 15, the new framework for prescribing Mounjaro through the General Health System (GESY), with access to treatment now determined based on specific criteria and approved treatment protocols.
The new procedure eliminates the need to submit new individual requests, as approval will be granted electronically through a request submitted by the treating physician. The request will be evaluated based on the established criteria, depending on the indication for which the medication is intended—namely, obesity or type 2 diabetes.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
This change follows the inclusion of Mounjaro in the official GESY List of Pharmaceutical Products, with coverage of the treatment now contingent upon meeting specific requirements.
Who is eligible for Mounjaro for obesity?
Specific criteria have been established for adult patients who wish to receive Mounjaro for the treatment of obesity through the National Health System (GESY).
Eligible individuals are those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, as well as individuals with a BMI between 35 and just under 40, provided they have established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and/or moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.
To obtain approval for treatment, the necessary medical documentation must be submitted, and all conditions specified in the relevant protocol must be met.
What are the criteria for continuing treatment?
Reimbursement for Mounjaro for obesity will not be unlimited in duration, as continuation of treatment will depend on the results achieved.
As explained by the responsible official at the Health Insurance Organization (OAY), Sophia Petridou, during the first six months of treatment, patients must have lost at least 5% of their initial body weight.
After one year, weight loss must amount to at least 10% in order to meet the requirements for continuing treatment.
Treatment will be reevaluated based on the results, while the maximum reimbursement period for obesity is set at two years, provided that the protocol’s conditions continue to be met.
What applies to those already taking the medication
Patients who already have approval for Mounjaro from the Committee on Individual Drug Requests or another competent body.
Existing approvals will remain in effect until their expiration dates. Thereafter, continuation of treatment will be evaluated based on the new treatment protocol.
At the same time, patients whose individual requests are pending will not need to repeat the process. Under the proposed regulations, the OAU will automatically forward pending requests for evaluation through the new system.
What’s Changing for Ozempic
Changes are also taking effect today regarding the administration of Ozempic to patients with type 2 diabetes, with the implementation of a revised treatment protocol.
As with Mounjaro, approval will be granted electronically and will be based on established criteria.
However, there will be no change regarding the availability of the two drugs. Ozempic will continue to be dispensed by private pharmacies, while Mounjaro will be available through hospital pharmacies until further notice.
