Johannesburg, South Africa — In a strategic move to enhance access to diabetes and obesity treatments in South Africa, pharmaceutical leader Novo Nordisk has unveiled a cost-effective authorized version of its renowned diabetes drug, Ozempic, named Extensior. Set to be available from July 27, Extensior will be offered in the same dosage forms as Ozempic, including 0. 25 mg, 0.
5 mg, and 1 mg, utilizing the identical active ingredient, semaglutide.
The introduction of Extensior in South Africa comes on the heels of a legal victory for Novo Nordisk, which secured an interim order from the Gauteng High Court against a pharmacy group producing unregistered semaglutide products on a commercial scale. This action underscores Novo Nordisk’s commitment to combatting unregulated compounded medicines and fostering a competitive market environment.
The South African GLP — 1 market has seen substantial growth, tripling in value over the past 18 months to reach around $134 million. This surge is attributed to the rising incidence of type 2 diabetes and obesity, as well as the efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic in managing these conditions. Novo Nordisk’s launch of Extensior is a strategic response to the escalating demand for diabetes and obesity treatments in the country.
The availability of Extensior is anticipated to broaden patient access to semaglutide — based treatments, potentially easing the financial strain on individuals and healthcare systems. While the pricing for Extensior has not been disclosed, officials have confirmed that it will be more affordable than branded semaglutide for type 2 diabetes treatment. This development is part of Novo Nordisk’s broader strategy to enhance access to its medications without compromising on quality standards.
The launch of Extensior also signifies the company’s dedication to expanding semaglutide-based treatments in the African market, actively addressing the challenges posed by the grey market for unregistered and counterfeit medicines.
As Extensior enters the South African market, its market share and impact on competition with generics and compounded medicines will be closely monitored.
The success of Extensior is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of semaglutide — based treatments in the African market, potentially leading to improved access and affordability for patients while addressing market competition and unregulated medicine challenges.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africa.businessinsider
Source: Ayodeji Adegboyega
