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Contract Manufacturing Agreement To Initiate Local Production Of Human Insulin For Novo Nordisk
ASPEN PHARMACARE HOLDINGS LIMITED
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (“Aspen Holdings”)
Registration number: 1985/002935/06
Share code: APN
ISIN: ZAE000066692
LEI: 635400ZYSN1IRD5QWQ94
and its subsidiaries (collectively “Aspen” or “the Group”)
CONTRACT MANUFACTURING AGREEMENT TO INITIATE LOCAL PRODUCTION OF HUMAN INSULIN
FOR NOVO NORDISK AT ITS GQEBERHA BASED STERILE MANUFACTURING FACILITY
Aspen is pleased to announce further details on the contract manufacturing agreement mentioned in the
SENS announcement issued on 06 September 2023 regarding the above subject matter.
Aspen and its wholly-owned South African subsidiary, Aspen SA Operations (Pty) Ltd have concluded an
agreement with the leading global manufacturer of human insulin, Novo Nordisk A/S (“Novo Nordisk”), for the
technical transfer and commercial manufacture of Human Insulins.
The collaboration allows for local production of Human Insulin in South Africa, to cater to the needs of people
with diabetes on the African continent. Through the local conversion of the insulin into finished dose form
vials by Aspen, the companies will leverage opportunities together, to ensure a reliable supply of products to
populations that need it. The collaboration aims to supply over 1 million patients (16 million vials) in 2024 with
further upscaling to over 4 million patients in 2026.
Aspen will manufacture these vials at its existing sterile facility in Gqeberha, South Africa. The Group invested
R6 billion in building these facilities and related technologies. The production of insulin will utilize the sterile
infrastructure including some utilised for COVID-19 vaccine production. Aspen will deploy approximately 250
people for this production which is due to commence at the beginning of 2024. The collaboration will also
reduce the transport related carbon footprint by 68%.
Stephen Saad, Aspen Group Chief Executive said, “Aspen has a clear objective and focus to capacitate Africa
and give quality affordable access to critical medicines from sites based in Africa that are also capable of
exporting to global markets. We are proud to be associated and working with Novo Nordisk, a global leader in
many areas including diabetic insulins. We hope to build off this initial foundation with Novo Nordisk to further
expand access. In addition, this development is important to retaining critical skills and developing new talent
on the continent and to diversifying global supply chains to ensure security of supply and improved patient
access. To this end, the technical and skills transfer agreement is key and an endorsement of Africa’s role in
the regional and global pharmaceutical supply chain. We thank Novo Nordisk for this demonstration of their
confidence in Aspen, together we can positively impact the millions of patients most in need.”
Durban
19 September 2023
Sponsor
Investec Bank Limited
Date: 19-09-2023 02:45:00
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