JSE-listed Aspen Pharmacare Holdings has confirmed it will soon receive new Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine supplies at its Gqeberha-based manufacturing site.
The company will distribute the vaccines throughout South Africa, further into Africa and eventually into the European Union and other offshore markets.
Aspen says this delivery of vaccines represents a landmark for South Africa and Africa, as these are the first Covid-19 vaccines to be produced on the African continent for South African and African patients.
CE Stephen Saad has expressed his pride at the role Aspen is playing in producing vaccines for distribution in South Africa, across Africa and the world.
“Our ability to produce these vaccines on behalf of Johnson & Johnson builds on our strategic vision of delivering high-quality, affordable medicines that improve health outcomes for patients in our own country, continent and around the world.
“Supply for Africa and South Africa is particularly rewarding, given the current global inequality in accessing vaccines. This represents a big step forward in ensuring that Africa can address its healthcare priorities.”
He adds that the manufacture of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine builds on the global contributions Aspen has already made in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic with both its anaesthetics portfolio and dexamethasone supply.