South Africa has yet to begin assessing GLP-1 obesity treatment for public sector patients, despite the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommending these medicines for long-term obesity management in December 2025. The Department of Health is considering adding GLP-1 medicines to its essential medicines list for diabetes treatment. However, it has not started evaluating their use specifically for obesity. Rebone Ntsie,…
Tag: obesity treatment
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Illegal Weight-Loss Medicines Face Regulatory Crackdown
Illegal weight-loss medicines are facing increased scrutiny as pharmaceutical manufacturers demand stronger law enforcement and regulators prepare tighter rules governing compounded obesity treatments. The Pharmaceutical Task Group (PTG) has called for prosecutions against individuals and businesses selling unregistered medicines. Meanwhile, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and South African Pharmacy Council are developing updated compounding standards. The interventions…
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Telehealth GLP-1 Prescribing Sparks Safety Fears
A Yale University study has identified serious weaknesses in how some telehealth providers prescribe GLP-1 weight-loss medications. The secret shopper study examined 49 online healthcare providers. Researchers used a fictional patient who met the clinical criteria for GLP-1 treatment. The findings suggest that several virtual clinics may be prioritising fast access to prescriptions over detailed medical care. This could expose…
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Generic Semaglutide Pricing Could Disrupt Global Markets
New research reveals that manufacturers could sell generic versions of Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy, for less than $3 a month. This study highlights a massive gap between current list prices and actual production costs. It suggests a future where powerful weight-loss treatments are accessible to billions. The Massive Gap In Generic Semaglutide Pricing Researchers at the University…
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GLP-1 Medicines Review: South Africa Moves to Expand Access
The National Essential Medicines List Committee (NEMLC) has officially prioritised a GLP-1 medicines review. This move signals a potential shift in how South Africa manages the dual crises of type 2 diabetes and obesity. According to senior health department officials, the review aims to determine whether these high-demand drugs should be added to the Essential Medicines List (EML). If approved,…
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A decade of transformation in obesity treatment
For long-time attendees of ObesityWeek, the 2024 conference in San Antonio felt markedly different. In the past, it was an intimate gathering of obesity specialists focused on research and clinical updates. However, as one physician noted, “There’s a lot more suits.” Wall Street has joined the event, drawn by the explosion of interest in the lucrative obesity treatment market. Since…
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Aspen secures licensing agreement to enter GLP-1 market
Aspen Pharmacare’s CEO, Stephen Saad, has celebrated the company’s new licensing agreement to enter the rapidly expanding GLP-1 agonist market. He said this milestone marks a “significant coup” for the company, enabling it to prepare for the market by 2026 and capitalise on the anticipated demand for diabetes and obesity treatment solutions. The global GLP-1 market, driven by increased demand…