The below press release was issued by Novo Nordisk (Pty) Ltd on 24 June 2026.
Novo Nordisk is represented in the matter against iDexis by Adams & Adams with lead litigation partner Danie Dohmen assisted by Ramon Pereira. A link to the full judgment in the matter is available here.
- Legal win for Novo Nordisk South Africa: Pretoria High Court orders iDexis to halt illicit compounding of unregistered semaglutide with immediate effect
- High Court confirms that only registered APIs, dispensed on prescription, may be used in compounding
- Ruling reinforces SAHPRA and SAPC oversight and protects patients from unsafe GLP-1 medicines
Johannesburg, South Africa, 23 June 2026 – The Pretoria High Court has ruled in favour of Novo Nordisk South Africa, granting an interim interdict that orders iDexis to immediately cease the manufacture, supply, marketing and advertising of illicitly compounded GLP-1 medication containing unregistered semaglutide, and to stop claiming that its compounded semaglutide has been approved by SAHPRA (South African Health Products Regulatory Authority).
The judgement, handed down by Judge Van Niekerk on 22 June 2026, follows a hearing at the Pretoria High Court on 10 June 2026. Novo Nordisk South Africa's concerns, as set out in the court papers, related to patient safety, product quality and regulatory oversight.
The court found that iDexis had been illegally compounding semaglutide, ruling that only registered APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients) may be used in a compound, and only on presentation of a prescription from a healthcare professional. The court noted that iDexis was sourcing and using an untested API that was neither registered nor sourced from the original registered supplier.
The judgement confirms the dangers that illicitly compounded GLP-1 medication poses to patient safety, and underlines the need to adhere to the appropriate regulatory frameworks and the Medicines Act of South Africa.
Judge Van Niekerk stated in his judgement: "Furthermore, Novo Nordisk has subjected itself to a process of stringent screening and testing of its products by SAHPRA in the public interest and in compliance with its duty to obey the law."
The judgement also strengthens the efforts of SAHPRA and the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) to regulate illicit compounding in the country.
"As a global leader in diabetes care and obesity, and the only registered supplier of semaglutide in South Africa, patient safety is Novo Nordisk's top priority," said Sara Norcross, general manager, Novo Nordisk South Africa. "Medicines registration is an important safeguard for patients; it means a medicine has been reviewed against recognised standards for quality, safety and efficacy, and remains subject to ongoing monitoring once it is in use."
"Patients deserve confidence in the medicines they receive and the systems that exist to protect them," Norcross added. "If patients have any concerns that their GLP-1 medication has been illegally compounded, we strongly urge them to speak to their healthcare professional or contact SAHPRA."
As demand for GLP-1 treatments in obesity care and diabetes care continues to grow, it is important that patients and healthcare professionals can trust the quality, safety and regulatory oversight of the medicines being used.
Novo Nordisk South Africa remains committed to providing reliable access to safe, registered medicines, upholding industry standards and protecting patient safety.
About Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Our purpose is to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases built upon our heritage in diabetes. We do so by pioneering scientific breakthroughs, expanding access to our medicines, and working to prevent and ultimately cure disease. Novo Nordisk employs about 67,900 people in 80 countries and markets its products in around 170 countries. For more information, visit novonordisk.com, Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Download this Press Release here.