South Africa is moving to tighten rules around compounded medicines, including popular weight-loss treatments. This is amid concerns over patient safety and the risk of counterfeit products. Regulators are developing clearer guidelines on what pharmacies can legally compound. Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has mandated a

government-business task force to address challenges in the pharmaceutical sector, including medicine pricing, manufacturing and procurement. This task force held its first engagement yesterday, where they warned the public that illegal distribution networks and online sales are creating new challenges for regulators, healthcare professionals and law enforcement. What do these developments mean for patient safety, access to innovative treatments and the future of South Africa’s pharmaceutical industry?

Guest: Sara Norcross - General Manager (GM) of Novo South Africa