Key Facts
• August 14, 2025: Novo Nordisk launched Wegovy in South Africa.
• First entry into the African market for Novo Nordisk.
• Competes with Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, launched 8 months earlier.
• South Africa ranks 4th in Africa for diabetes cases (International Diabetes Federation).
• 1 in 2 South African adults are obese or overweight (Novo Nordisk).
• Wegovy: the only weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for weight management.
• Novo Nordisk also sells diabetes drug Ozempic in South Africa.
• Eli Lilly markets Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes, also used for weight loss.
• Wegovy is available in 35 countries; South Africa offers 5 dosage options.
• Pricing for Wegovy in South Africa to be announced next week.
Summary
Novo Nordisk has launched its obesity treatment drug Wegovy in South Africa, marking its first foray into the African market. The drug will compete with Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, introduced eight months earlier. South Africa, the fourth-highest in Africa for diabetes prevalence, faces significant obesity challenges, with half of its adult population classified as obese or overweight. Wegovy, a weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist, is currently the only drug of its kind approved for weight management. Novo Nordisk also markets the diabetes drug Ozempic in the region, while Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro is used for both type 2 diabetes and weight loss. Wegovy is now available in 35 countries, with South Africa offering five dosage options. Pricing details are expected next week.
