Home / Health / Novo Nordisk Launches Affordable Ozempic Alternative in SA
Novo Nordisk Launches Affordable Ozempic Alternative in SA
17 Jul
Summary
- An authorized copy of Ozempic, Extensior, launches July 27.
- Extensior uses the same semaglutide ingredient as Ozempic.
- Acino partners with Novo Nordisk for wider patient access.
Novo Nordisk is set to launch Extensior, an authorized copy of its widely used diabetes medication Ozempic, in South Africa on July 27. This new drug utilizes the same semaglutide active ingredient and undergoes the identical manufacturing process as Ozempic, distinguishing it from generic or compounded versions.
The launch is a strategic move by Novo Nordisk to increase patient access to treatments for type 2 diabetes. Sara Norcross, general manager of Novo Nordisk South Africa, confirmed that Extensior will be priced more affordably than the branded semaglutide. The company plans to continually assess pricing to improve accessibility.
Acino, a Swiss pharmaceutical company, will collaborate with Novo Nordisk to distribute Extensior across South Africa. This partnership is focused on delivering more accessible and affordable medicines to high-growth markets. The introduction of Extensior aims to mitigate issues arising from a growing grey market for GLP-1 drugs, which has emerged due to affordability concerns and high demand.
