South Africa’s fight against obesity has entered a decisive phase, driven by a surge in the medicalisation of treatment through GLP-1 weight loss drugs. In early 2026, two major medications, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide), have received key regulatory approvals, marking a new chapter in primary healthcare. With nearly 4.5 million South African adults living with obesity, the shift comes…
Tag: SAHPRA
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HIV Prevention in SA Needs Local Lenacapavir Manufacturing
South Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its long battle against HIV. While the country has made remarkable strides since the mass rollout of antiretrovirals, boosting rural life expectancy by over 10 years, a new medical innovation could accelerate progress even further. Experts warn that unless stakeholders prioritise local manufacturing, the drug’s full potential for HIV prevention may remain…
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Aspen Targets Mounjaro Expansion in Africa Following Approval
Aspen targeting Mounjaro expansion will bring the high-demand drug Mounjaro to Sub-Saharan Africa. Mounjaro is also known as tirzepatide. Launches across the continent are anticipated in 2026. CEO Stephen Saad confirmed this plan. He announced it in his annual letter to shareholders. The move follows major success in South Africa. It also comes after a new regulatory approval. This approval…
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Aspen Boosted by Mounjaro: A New Era in Weight Loss
Aspen Pharmacare’s share price saw a notable increase. This followed the announcement that the high-profile diabetes drug, Mounjaro (tirzepatide), has received approval from the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) for use as a chronic weight management treatment. Aspen was notably boosted by Mounjaro’s approval, signalling a positive development for the company. The JSE-listed pharmaceutical giant confirmed that SAHPRA…
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Surge in Illicit Medicines Threatens Public Health
South Africa is at a critical crossroads in its fight against a rising tide of illicit, substandard, and falsified medicines. These pose a severe threat to public health. The influx is particularly alarming in relation to GLP-1 agonists, the popular class of medicines developed to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. In response to this escalating crisis, the South African…
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Medical Device Regulation and Its Importance Today
Millions of medical devices are used daily in South Africa. These range from simple bandages to complex pacemakers. Patients often assume these products are tested and safe. However, a significant regulatory gap exists. This oversight can pose a substantial risk to public health. The urgent need for comprehensive medical device regulation is clear. Faulty devices create dangerous situations. For example,…
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Regulatory Delays Threaten Africa’s Pharmaceutical Ambition
Critical delays in aligning Africa’s pharmaceutical regulations with World Health Organisation (WHO) standards are jeopardising the continent’s R1.25-trillion ($70bn) goal. They aim to become a self-sufficient pharmaceuticals manufacturing hub, according to a top industry executive. Stavros Nicolaou, a senior executive at Aspen Pharmacare and chair of Pharmaceuticals Made in South Africa (Pharmisa), warned that this regulatory bottleneck is preventing African…
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Cipla Medpro faces claims over side effects of antibiotic
Cipla Medpro faces claims that it failed to adequately warn patients about the potentially severe side effects of a common antibiotic. These claims arose after a Johannesburg man suffered four life-altering tendon ruptures. A man in his 40s is now considering legal action against the company. He was prescribed Tavaloxx, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, and alleges the warnings provided inside the…
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Local Medicine Manufacturing and National Health Security
In a strategic move to enhance local medicine manufacturing, Sahpra aims to fast-track the approval of locally made medicines. This is an effort to secure the national supply. Sahpra’s decision aims to address drug shortages and reduce reliance on imports. Furthermore, it aims to strengthen the nation’s pharmaceutical industry through initiatives in local medicine manufacturing. In a significant move to…
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New COVID-19 Variant No Threat to South Africa
While the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided from its peak, the virus continues to circulate and evolve globally. The recent designation of a new variant, NB.1.8.1, by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has sparked online discussion. South Africa’s leading scientists are urging calm while highlighting a more pressing local issue: vaccine accessibility. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has confirmed…
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Twice-Yearly HIV Jab: Activists Call for Lower Prices
A groundbreaking, twice-yearly injection for HIV prevention is hailed as a potential ‘game-changer’. However, it is at the centre of a fierce debate regarding affordability. Health activists worldwide implore its manufacturer, Gilead Sciences, to prevent a “missed opportunity for achieving equity.” This twice-yearly HIV jab could revolutionise prevention efforts. But that will only occur if it becomes accessible to all.…