Business
Aspen takes on Ozempic as South Africa’s new weight loss jab gets the go-ahead
Aspen gets approval to launch Mounjaro in South Africa
South Africa’s own Aspen Pharmacare is stepping into the global weight loss arena with a major new contender: Mounjaro, a once-weekly injection that’s already making waves abroad. Approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) for chronic weight management, Aspen’s Mounjaro is now officially set to challenge Ozempic, the blockbuster drug that’s taken Hollywood and TikTok by storm.
From diabetes care to weight management
Mounjaro, scientifically known as tirzepatide, was initially introduced in South Africa in December 2024 to help patients with Type 2 diabetes. But after its success in regulating blood sugar levels, Aspen pushed for approval to expand its use for weight loss. That approval has now been granted, effective October 2025, marking a milestone for local healthcare innovation.
The medication will be available in KwikPen, a multidose injector device that allows for once-a-week administration, a practical advantage for patients managing long-term health conditions.
Why this matters
Aspen’s entry into the weight loss market signals a significant shift for South African healthcare. For years, weight management treatments have been imported, costly, or hard to access. Now, with a local company introducing a globally recognised drug, more patients could soon have access to effective medical options alongside lifestyle changes.
It’s also a timely move: obesity is now classified as a chronic and progressive disease, affecting more than 1 billion people worldwide. Projections suggest that by 2035, over half of the global population could be overweight or obese, a public health challenge that has prompted pharmaceutical giants to develop more targeted interventions.
Taking on Ozempic’s dominance
Aspen’s launch directly positions Mounjaro as a competitor to Ozempic, a product from Novo Nordisk that has become a household name globally for its off-label weight loss use. While Ozempic is currently only registered in South Africa as a Type 2 diabetes treatment, it’s been widely used in other markets for its secondary effect on appetite and metabolism.
Mounjaro works in a similar way by acting on the body’s hormones that control hunger and satiety, helping patients feel fuller for longer. But unlike Ozempic, Aspen’s locally distributed version comes with regulatory approval for both diabetes and weight management, setting a new precedent in the country’s pharmaceutical space.
Public reaction and health community buzz
The announcement has sparked excitement among healthcare professionals and patients alike. On social media, many South Africans expressed hope that the local rollout might help make treatment more affordable and accessible, while others noted the importance of combining medication with sustainable lifestyle habits.
For Aspen, the approval represents more than just a business win; it’s a statement of intent. By bringing Mounjaro into the South African market, the company isn’t just competing with a global brand; it’s asserting its place in the global pharmaceutical conversation.
Also read: Sanlam’s investment arm fined R10 million for weak anti-money laundering controls
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikT
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Source: Business Tech
Featured Image: Daily Investor
