Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
28 February 2025 | 16:32 CAT

People with diabetes who are dependent on state care will have to switch to vials and syringes for their insulin injections. (Source – MSF)

A critical investigation has been launched into pharmaceutical corporations Novo Nordisk and Sanofi Aventis South Africa over potential anti-competitive practices in the insulin pen market. This follows concerns raised by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and the Competition Commission regarding access to essential diabetes medication for South Africans.

The investigation stems from Novo Nordisk’s October 2023 decision to cease tendering for insulin pens to the National Department of Health, opting instead to supply only insulin vials. This move left South Africa’s public healthcare sector without a contracted supply of insulin pens for 2024, potentially affecting tens of thousands of diabetes patients reliant on this treatment.

MSF has welcomed the Competition Commission’s formal inquiry, emphasizing the significance of tackling monopolistic behaviors within the pharmaceutical industry. In an interview with Radio Islam International, APH Regional Advisor Candice Sehoma explained the broader implications: “Pharmaceutical companies thrive on creating monopolies. They manipulate the market to limit competition, making it difficult for generic alternatives to emerge.”

The allegations suggest that Novo Nordisk deliberately diverted its manufacturing focus towards producing more lucrative weight-loss medications, such as Ozempic and SGLT2 inhibitors, at the expense of life-saving diabetes treatment. “They are prioritizing higher-profit medicines while restricting access to essential treatment,” said Sehoma.

Another pressing concern is the market’s structural limitations. Sehoma pointed out that Novo Nordisk, along with Sanofi and Eli Lilly, dominate the insulin supply chain. The investigation will examine whether their strategies, including patent restrictions and market ring-fencing, have unfairly blocked competition. “Even local manufacturers like Aspen Pharmaceuticals, which partnered with Novo Nordisk, were limited to producing insulin in vials instead of the preferred pen format,” she added.

The Competition Commission’s inquiry is expected to determine whether these actions violate South Africa’s competition laws and if regulatory intervention is necessary. Critics argue that pharmaceutical companies operating in South Africa must balance profitability with ethical responsibility. “They cannot exclusively cater to high-income markets while neglecting the most vulnerable,” Sehoma stressed.

MSF and other advocacy groups hope the probe will lead to lower insulin prices and improved access for diabetic patients. The outcome of this investigation could set a precedent for pharmaceutical accountability in South Africa and beyond.

Listen to the full interview with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and APH Regional Advisor Candice Sehoma on The Daily Round-Up.