AI-powered digital health company MedPal AI plc (AIM: MPAL) announced on Wednesday that its wholly owned subsidiary, MedPal Limited, has received approval to act as an authorised purchaser of Eli Lilly pharmaceutical products in the UK, enabling the company to purchase and dispense Eli Lilly's medication portfolio.

This approval includes access to Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes and weight management. Mounjaro accounts for approximately 79% of the UK GLP-1 market, with research indicating private prescriptions significantly exceed NHS provision, highlighting a substantial commercial opportunity. Wegovy, which MedPal.clinic already supplies, represents around 20% of the market, allowing patients to select their preferred GLP-1 therapy.

The UK prescription weight loss medication market is forecast to grow from approximately USD340m in 2025 to USD2bn by 2033, driven by rising obesity rates and increased adoption of GLP-1 treatments. Around 3.4 million people in the UK are estimated to be eligible for tirzepatide treatment, with 64% of adults in England classified as overweight or obese. Globally, the GLP-1 weight loss drugs market is projected to reach USD120bn by 2035.

Medications will be dispensed from MedPal AI plc's automated distribution centre in Swaffham, Norfolk, which uses robotic dispensing technology to support scalable, accurate and rapid fulfilment. Development supports the company's strategy to position MedPal.clinic as a leading digital platform for clinically supervised weight management, combining AI-powered patient triage with prescriber consultation and access to innovative pharmaceutical treatments.