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: weight loss drugs
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Lilly Hits $1 Trillion Valuation with Weight-Loss Success
In a historic milestone for the pharmaceutical industry, Eli Lilly surged to a market value of $1 trillion on Friday. It became the first drugmaker to join an exclusive club previously dominated by technology heavyweights. This event marked the moment Lilly hit a $1 trillion valuation. It highlighted the company’s rapid ascent as a global powerhouse in the weight-loss sector.…
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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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Medicines seized amidst surge in demand for Ozempic copies
New Zealand customs officials recently seized 14 injectable pens labelled as Fitaro and Orsema – semaglutide-based medications manufactured by Incepta Pharmaceuticals, a drugmaker from Bangladesh. These drugs, meant to provide an affordable alternative to Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic, underscore a surge in demand for lower-cost versions of the popular diabetes and weight loss medication. Ozempic and its anti-obesity counterpart, Wegovy, contain…
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As competition heats up, Novo Nordisk’s share price declines
Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk, renowned for its diabetes and weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, has experienced a significant share price drop of around 19% this month. This decline follows its market peak in June, driven by increasing competition from Eli Lilly, a key player in the same space. Eli Lilly has gained substantial momentum with its rival drugs,…