Home / Business and Economy / Novo Nordisk Slashes Wegovy Prices in South Africa
Novo Nordisk Slashes Wegovy Prices in South Africa
26 Mar
Summary
- Novo Nordisk twice reduced Wegovy prices in South Africa.
- Rival Eli Lilly's Mounjaro dominates the market share.
- Unauthorized copycat drugs pose a significant problem.
Novo Nordisk has implemented a second price reduction for its weight-loss drug, Wegovy, in South Africa, a move driven by significant market competition. Initially launched in August, the company found the original pricing unsuitable for the South African market.
Following an initial price cut in December, Novo Nordisk submitted another reduction on March 25, 2026. The lowest injected dose of Wegovy has seen a substantial decrease, dropping from 3,090 rand to 1,873 rand, with further reductions pending approval for higher doses.
This strategic pricing adjustment occurs as Eli Lilly's Mounjaro, priced at approximately 3,600 rand, has secured a dominant 52% market share in South Africa as of January 2026. Novo Nordisk aims to introduce its Wegovy pill locally soon.
Both pharmaceutical giants are contending with the prevalence of unauthorized copycat drugs, which reportedly are used by half of all patients undergoing weight-loss treatments in South Africa, despite negative outcomes. Novo Nordisk is pursuing legal action against a local compounder, while regulatory bodies are considering classifying these products as undesirable.
