• Aspen to distribute Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro in South Africa
• Launch heightens obesity drug rivalry with Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy
• High costs limit access despite soaring demand and obesity rates

South African pharmaceutical group Aspen announced on Monday, October 13 that the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has approved the commercialization of Mounjaro, Eli Lilly’s treatment for type 2 diabetes, overweight, or obesity. As Lilly’s commercial partner in South Africa, Aspen will distribute the drug in KwikPen injector form.

This move intensifies competition for Danish rival Novo Nordisk, which launched its flagship obesity treatment, Wegovy, in South Africa in August. Globally, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are engaged in a heated race over the lucrative weight-loss drug market, which Reuters estimates could reach about $100 billion by 2030.

South Africa has become a key battleground in Africa, driven by strong demand prospects. According to the World Health Organization, more than half of the country’s adult population , including over two-thirds of women, is overweight or obese, the highest rate in sub-Saharan Africa.

Analysts warn that high costs will be the greatest barrier to adoption. Though these therapies deliver significant weight loss, monthly injections can cost several hundred dollars, confining access to wealthy consumers unless subsidized. In a country where the minimum wage ranges from $288 to $324, broad accessibility without public backing remains unlikely, even though lower-income groups bear a heavy obesity burden.

Espoir Olodo