JSE-listed pharmaceutical company Aspen has announced the availability in SA of Eli Lilly’s diabetes drug, tirzepatide.
The drug, marketed globally as Mounjaro, is a therapeutic option available to doctors for the treatment of type II diabetes, Aspen said in a statement on Friday.
The launch of Mounjaro would assist in both increasing access and in improving healthcare outcomes, Aspen said.
“Mounjaro is a once-weekly glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to treat adults with insufficiently controlled type II diabetes, which has been approved by the SA Health Products Regulatory Authority,” Aspen said.
In August, Aspen entered into a distribution and promotion agreement with the US pharma giant Lilly to extend access to its portfolio of medicines to patients in SA and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Aspen CEO Stephen Saad said the group valued the relationship with Lilly and its recognition of Aspen as its chosen partner in Southern Africa to assist in contributing towards arresting non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which include cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes.
“Tirzepatide is one of the therapeutic options available to physicians for the treatment of type II diabetes, which has doubled in recent times, with one in two diabetic patients in SA being undiagnosed,” Saad said,
“Tirzepatide represents an added therapeutic option to address the rising tide of NCDs. It will increase access and can significantly improve related health outcomes.”
Tirzepatide will be available in SA from the latter part of December in single-dose vials, with a KwikPen presentation currently under evaluation at Sahpra, Aspen said.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.