The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has approved the use of Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) injection pens for chronic weight management, broadening its application beyond type-2 diabetes, News24 reports.
Aspen Pharmacare – which markets the drug under licence from Lilly – saw its share price climb over 2% following the announcement.
The weekly injection is now authorised as part of a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity plan for long-term weight control. The monthly cost for the injection pens ranges between R2 800 and R5 500. Already launched in South Africa in December 2024, local sales for Mounjaro® are expected to reach R1 billion in time.
Tirzepatide belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, targeting dual receptors (GLP-1 and GIP). This “two-hormone” mechanism is considered more effective in some studies than older treatments like Ozempic, which primarily target GLP-1.
Aspen takes on Ozempic
Aspen is positioning itself to compete with the popular drug Ozempic, which has gained widespread use in the United States for weight loss, according to BusinessTech.
Originally developed to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, Ozempic later became sought after for its weight-loss effects, as it influences hunger and satiety hormones in the brain, helping users feel fuller and reducing appetite. In South Africa, however, Ozempic is currently approved only as a diabetes treatment and is not registered for weight loss.
