Novo Nordisk brings Wegovy to South Africa to address obesity crisis

SOUTH AFRICA—Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has launched its weight-loss drug Wegovy in South Africa, marking the first introduction of the medication in Africa.

This move intensifies competition with Eli Lilly, which brought its weight-loss drug Mounjaro to South Africa about eight months earlier.

The South African market represents a significant growth opportunity for obesity treatments, especially since the country has the fourth-highest number of adults with diabetes on the African continent, according to the International Diabetes Federation.

Speaking at the launch event, Sara Norcross, general manager of Novo Nordisk South Africa, highlighted the scale of the obesity problem in the country.

She stated that one in every two adults in South Africa currently lives with excess weight or obesity. Moreover, over two-thirds of women and approximately one in three men in South Africa suffer from obesity. These statistics emphasize the urgent need for effective weight management solutions.

Wegovy, which has been licensed and registered for weight-loss management in South Africa, will become available to patients starting August 22.

Novo Nordisk also markets another drug, Ozempic, in the country for diabetes treatment.

While Wegovy targets obesity, Ozempic helps control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

Globally, Novo conducts most of its Wegovy sales in the United States, a key market where the company faces competition from Eli Lilly not only with Mounjaro but also with another obesity drug called Zepbound.

However, Novo Nordisk plans to expand Wegovy sales outside the U.S. and sees South Africa as an essential step in this global growth strategy.

On the other hand, Eli Lilly currently sells Mounjaro in South Africa strictly for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, in partnership with Aspen Pharmacare.

Although the drug’s injectable pen has been developed, it is still under review by South Africa’s drug regulatory authority for weight-loss use.

Both Wegovy and Mounjaro belong to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists.

These drugs help manage blood sugar levels and slow down digestion, which helps people feel full for longer periods, ultimately supporting weight loss.

The global obesity problem continues to grow, with more than a billion people now affected worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

The World Bank estimates that about 70% of these individuals live in low and middle-income countries, where access to effective obesity treatments can be limited.

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