Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has been added to Cyprus’ General Healthcare System (Gesy) from 15 October for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity in adults.
The medication will be covered under specific clinical protocols and subject to prior approval by the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO). Until further notice, it will be available exclusively through hospital pharmacies.
According to the HIO, a revised protocol for Ozempic (semaglutide), which applies to patients with type 2 diabetes, also takes effect from today.
The organisation clarified that for patients with type 2 diabetes, Ozempic remains the first therapeutic option between the two medications, regardless of body weight.
How prescribing will work
For both medicines to be prescribed and covered by Gesy, the treating physician must submit a prior approval request through the electronic system.
The application will be assessed by the HIO on the basis of the approved protocols to determine whether the patient meets the required criteria.
The medications may be prescribed by:
- Endocrinologists
- Internal medicine specialists
- Geriatricians
- Adult personal doctors registered under General Practice, Geriatrics or Internal Medicine
What applies to patients with pending applications
Special provisions have been made for patients whose applications are already under review.
Patients who have submitted a request to the Committee for the Examination of Named Patient Requests for Medicines and are awaiting a decision do not need to submit a new application.
In addition, patients who have already received approval for Mounjaro treatment through the Named Patient Requests Committee, the Medicines Review Board or the Committee for the Examination of Named Patient Requests for Medicines will be transferred to the protocol-based system.
Mounjaro to be dispensed through hospital pharmacies
The HIO said Mounjaro will be supplied through hospital pharmacies until further notice.
The addition of the medication forms part of efforts to expand the treatment options available to Gesy beneficiaries.
According to the organisation, it will continue monitoring and assessing patients’ needs with the aim of providing access to new therapies based on scientific evidence and established eligibility criteria.
