Aspen's generic semaglutide approved in SA, launch within months
Aspen has approval to sell a generic version of semaglutide, Ozempic's active ingredient, in South Africa for type 2 diabetes, with sales expected in the next few months. No price has been announced.
Aspen Pharmacare has been given regulatory approval to sell a generic version of injectable semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, in South Africa and Brazil. The company said on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, that it expects to start selling it in South Africa, Brazil and Canada "over the next few months" (Business Day, Aspen SENS).
Aspen has not said what it will cost or give an exact launch date (Business Day, The National).
What is Aspen's semaglutide approved for?
According to Aspen, it is approved, together with diet and exercise, for treating adults with type 2 diabetes to improve blood sugar control (Business Day). It's a generic copy, so it is not Ozempic, which is made by Novo Nordisk (TimesLIVE, The National).
SAHPRA, the medicines regulator, says Ozempic is registered in South Africa for type 2 diabetes and is not registered here for weight loss (SAHPRA).
Will it be cheaper than Ozempic?
Aspen hasn't announced a price. The National has reported that global benchmarks suggest generic semaglutide could cut costs by up to 50%, but what Aspen will charge in South Africa is still unknown (The National).
Do I need a prescription?
Yes. SAHPRA says semaglutide medicine in South Africa is available only on prescription (SAHPRA). Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about whether it suits you.
What about compounded or "copycat" semaglutide?
SAHPRA has received reports of compounded medicines claiming to contain semaglutide. It says these have not been reviewed for safety, quality or effectiveness, and urges patients to use a SAHPRA-approved product where one is available (SAHPRA).
Why is this happening now?
Semaglutide came off patent earlier this year in many parts of the world, opening the way for generic versions (Business Day). Reuters reports that GLP-1 medicine sales in South Africa have grown to nearly R3 billion, with Eli Lilly's Mounjaro, which Aspen distributes, taking more than half the market, according to Aspen (Reuters via KELO).
| Market | Aspen semaglutide status |
|---|---|
| Canada | Approved in July 2026 |
| South Africa | Approved, announced 11 November 2026 |
| Brazil | Approved, announced 11 November 2026 |
| About 20 other countries | Awaiting approval, according to CEO Stephen Saad |
Sources: Business Day, Aspen SENS.
More than 4 million adults in South Africa live with diabetes, according to the International Diabetes Federation (Business Day).
FAQ
Is Aspen's semaglutide the same as Ozempic?
It contains the same active ingredient, but it is a generic copy, not Novo Nordisk's Ozempic.
When will generic semaglutide be available in South Africa?
Aspen says it expects to start selling it in South Africa over the next few months. No exact date has been given.
How much will Aspen's semaglutide cost?
Aspen has not announced a price.
Is generic semaglutide approved for weight loss in South Africa?
Aspen says its product is approved for adults with type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and exercise.