Johannesburg, South Africa – Novo Nordisk is set to introduce Extensior, a lower-cost authorised version of its semaglutide treatment for type 2 diabetes, in South Africa on 27 July, marking a significant step toward improving access to GLP-1 therapies in the country.

According to the company, Extensior contains the same active ingredient, uses the same manufacturing process and delivery device as Ozempic, and has been approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) as the country's only authorised semaglutide copy. Unlike generic, compounded or biosimilar alternatives, the medicine is manufactured directly by Novo Nordisk, ensuring the same quality, safety and efficacy standards associated with the original product.

Novo Nordisk confirmed that Extensior will be priced below the branded Ozempic formulation for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, with further pricing details expected ahead of the launch. The company noted that the initiative forms part of its broader strategy to improve patient access to innovative diabetes therapies while maintaining high manufacturing and quality standards.

Demand for GLP-1 medicines has increased rapidly in South Africa following the introduction of treatments such as Eli Lilly's Mounjaro and Novo Nordisk's Wegovy. However, high treatment costs have led some patients to seek compounded versions of semaglutide, contributing to the growth of an informal market that has raised concerns among regulators over product quality and patient safety.

Novo Nordisk believes the launch of Extensior will provide patients and healthcare professionals with a more affordable, quality-assured treatment option while helping to reduce reliance on unregulated alternatives.

The medicine will be available in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1 mg dose strengths, mirroring the dosing options currently offered with Ozempic.

The rollout will be supported through a partnership with Acino, a Swiss pharmaceutical company and part of the Abu Dhabi-based life sciences group Arcera, with the collaboration aimed at improving access to affordable medicines across high-growth markets.

The launch reflects a growing trend among pharmaceutical manufacturers to balance innovation with affordability, particularly in emerging markets where the burden of diabetes continues to rise and demand for effective chronic disease treatments is increasing.