By Zuko Komisa
- Novo Nordisk South Africa has launched the country’s only authorised copy of semaglutide, utilising the exact active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), manufacturing process, and delivery device as the original treatment.
- A new collaboration with Acino expands distribution networks across South Africa, significantly improving product reach and lowering costs for patients.
- Fully registered by SAHPRA, this initiative targets the 2.3 million South Africans (7.2% of adults) living with diabetes by offering reliable, lower-cost access to advanced chronic disease care.
Novo Nordisk South Africa has introduced the country’s only authorised copy of semaglutide, marking a pivotal shift in the management of type 2 diabetes.
Developed to match the originator product precisely utilising the identical active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), manufacturing standards, and device this release delivers equal therapeutic benefit at a significantly reduced price point.
Unlike conventional generics or biosimilars, an authorised copy guarantees identical safety, quality, and clinical efficacy.
Registered by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), the treatment offers clinicians and patients complete regulatory confidence at a time when healthcare budgets and out-of-pocket expenses are under severe strain.
To ensure widespread availability, Novo Nordisk has partnered with Acino to leverage their extensive local distribution infrastructure.
With over 2.3 million South African adults currently living with diabetes, this collaboration directly addresses critical supply stability and affordability challenges, advancing Novo Nordisk’s broader strategy to combat serious chronic diseases nationwide.
Kaya Biz with Gugulethu Mfuphi spoke to Novo Nordisk South Africa GM Sara Norcross who unpacks what an authorised copy is, why SAHPRA registration matters.
Listen to the full conversation here:
READ NEXT: What SA’s inflation jump to 5% means for everyday citizens
