Aspen targets 1mn patents in 2024, 4mn patents in 2026

Aspen, a leading pharmaceutical company based in South Africa, has recently entered into a groundbreaking agreement with Novo Nordisk to locally produce human insulin at its eastern cape-based sterile facility. The aim of the agreement is to supply insulin vials to 4 million patients across Africa by 2026 while facilitating critical technology and skills transfer to the region. Stephen Saad, the CEO of Aspen, joined CNBC Africa to discuss the significance of this agreement from both a business and humanitarian perspective. Saad emphasized the importance of the agreement from a business standpoint, highlighting the need to leverage the existing capacity and skills of the facility to secure contracts that would sustain jobs and maintain skills. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of having local production capabilities, and this agreement with Novo Nordisk will not only replace the COVID vaccine volumes previously produced but also create hundreds of jobs in the Eastern Cape. Saad mentioned that the 250 jobs to be deployed are not new positions but existing roles that have been retained, with the potential for more jobs to be created as additional contracts are secured. Beyond the business implications, Saad stressed the significant impact of the agreement on patient access to quality medicines in Africa. Currently, Novo Nordisk serves about 500,000 patients in sub-Saharan Africa, but with this new agreement, an additional three and a half million patients will benefit from access to insulin. The commitment to pricing the vials at no more than $3 each ensures affordability and potentially life-saving treatment for millions of people who previously could not afford insulin. In addition to job creation and improved patient access, the agreement also includes technology and skills transfer to build a pool of competent professionals in the pharmaceutical industry in Africa. While Aspen has its own skilled workforce, Saad acknowledged the need to invest in training programs to develop the necessary skills across the continent. Collaborating with organizations like the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Aspen is committed to fostering partnerships that will benefit the broader African pharmaceutical landscape. By focusing on skills development and technology transfer, Aspen aims to not only meet the immediate demand for insulin but also build a sustainable healthcare infrastructure for the future. Saad's vision extends beyond the current agreement with Novo Nordisk, as he envisions further collaborations to expand access to essential medicines and create more employment opportunities in the region. He emphasized the importance of self-reliance and building a skilled workforce that can support the healthcare needs of the continent. The partnership with Novo Nordisk represents a significant step towards achieving these goals, with the potential to impact millions of lives across Africa. In conclusion, Aspen's agreement with Novo Nordisk signifies a major breakthrough in healthcare access and job creation in Africa. By leveraging local production capabilities, prioritizing affordability, and investing in skills development, Aspen is not only addressing immediate healthcare needs but also laying the foundation for a more sustainable and self-sufficient healthcare ecosystem in the region.