Cheaper Obesity Shots in Pipeline for Next Year, Aspen CEO Says

Africa’s largest drugmaker is confident of making cheaper, generic versions of injections like Ozempic and Wegovy from next year as the continent faces rising obesity rates.

Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Ltd.’s plans have thrust it into the race among global drugmakers to capture part of a weight-loss market that’s expected to reach $100 billion by 2030. Patents for the blockbuster drugs expire in some countries starting in March and Aspen expects to make its version for less than half the average global price, Chief Executive Officer Stephen Saad said in an interview Wednesday.

The Durban, South Africa-based company has manufacturing capacity ...