To: Health Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Health

Subject: Inclusion of Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) in the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB)

I am a regular Ontario citizen on a limited income, and like thousands of others, I find it challenging to afford the medication essential to my well-being: Mounjaro (tirzepatide). This remarkable drug has proven life-changing for managing my health conditions and for countless others facing financial barriers. However, without coverage under the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program, many of us struggle to afford it, often having to choose between essential health needs and basic daily necessities.

Background:

Mounjaro, a GLP-1 receptor agonist medication, has been shown to be highly effective not only in managing type 2 diabetes but also in addressing related health issues. Studies demonstrate that tirzepatide matches or even surpasses other GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide, in terms of efficacy, making it an invaluable tool for health management. Yet, without ODB coverage, it remains financially out of reach for many Ontarians.

Reasons for Inclusion:

Comparable and Superior Efficacy: Mounjaro has shown comparable—and often superior—effectiveness in controlling blood glucose levels and improving metabolic health, aligning it with other medications already covered by the ODB, such as semaglutide. Including Mounjaro would allow patients to access the most effective and suitable treatments for their specific needs.

Enhanced Health Benefits Beyond Diabetes Management: Beyond its effectiveness in managing diabetes, Mounjaro has shown potential in addressing multiple related health concerns:

Weight Reduction: Many patients on tirzepatide experience substantial weight loss, which improves blood pressure, cardiovascular health, and overall metabolic well-being.

Alleviation of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Tirzepatide’s benefits extend to alleviating symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common condition among Ontarians with diabetes. By addressing weight and metabolic health, Mounjaro improves sleep quality and reduces the severity of OSA.

Reduction in Cardiovascular Risks: By supporting weight loss and improving glycemic control, Mounjaro decreases the risk of cardiovascular complications, enhancing long-term health outcomes.

Addressing Income Barriers for Low-Income Ontarians: According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI, 2019), 23% of Canadians avoid taking prescribed medication due to its cost. As it stands, tirzepatide’s financial barrier directly contributes to this troubling figure. By including Mounjaro in the ODB Program, we can reduce this statistic and improve access to this critical medication for low-income residents, creating a more equitable healthcare landscape in Ontario.

Logical Evolution of Coverage: The Ontario Drug Benefit already covers semaglutide, and expanding coverage to include Mounjaro represents a logical step forward in modernizing treatment options within the ODB Program. As the field of diabetes management continues to evolve, Ontario’s healthcare policies must progress alongside it to ensure that Ontarians have access to the latest evidence-based treatment options.

Request:

We respectfully urge Health Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Health, and Eli Lilly Canada Inc. to collaborate in making Mounjaro accessible through the Ontario Drug Benefit Program. Including Mounjaro will not only support the health and quality of life for countless Ontarians but also promote affordability, accessibility, and equity within Ontario’s healthcare system.

Please join us in signing this petition to urge the Ontario Drug Benefit Program to include tirzepatide (Mounjaro) in its formulary. Together, we can make a difference for the health of Ontario citizens, ensuring that income does not stand in the way of essential healthcare.