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Aspen is in a closed period from 1st January 2026 until the publication of the interim results on the JSE SENS platform on the 3rd March 2026.

Year: 2022

Aspen, CEPI and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation expand commitments to improve access to vaccines in Africa

Stephen Saad, Aspen Group Chief Executive

New funding supports technology transfer from Serum Institute to Aspen to manufacture routine vaccines in Africa, for Africa Collaboration supports sustainable manufacturing capacity for African-produced vaccines for future epidemics and pandemics   Durban, South Africa – JSE Limited listed Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited (“Aspen”) a global multinational specialty pharmaceutical company,  announced that it will receive USD30 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (”the Gates Foundation”) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (“CEPI”) to support its capabilities to manufacture lifesaving routine and outbreak vaccines for Africa. The new funding from CEPI and the Gates Foundation, which includes USD15 million from each organization, will support a ten-year agreement between Aspen and Serum Institute of India Pvt Ltd (“Serum Institute”) that aims to expand the supply and sourcing of affordable vaccines manufactured in Africa. Through the partnership with Serum Institute, Aspen will manufacture and distribute four routine vaccines in Africa — Pneumococcal, Rotavirus, Polyvalent Meningococcal, and Hexavalent — with technology transfer activities initiating in early 2023. In addition to supporting the technology transfer of these routine vaccines, the funding from CEPI and the Gates Foundation will help sustain regional vaccine manufacturing capacity at Aspen for potential future outbreak response, with the intention of securing early access to African-produced vaccines in the event of a future public health emergency.   Stephen Saad, Aspen Group Chief Executive, said, “We thank both CEPI and the Gates Foundation for their commitment to support regional manufacture for Africa.  Their commitment, together with our partnership with Serum, is an important first step in ensuring expanded and enduring equitable access to a pipeline of medicines and vaccines manufactured in Africa for Africans. Aspen has a proven capability of being at the forefront of pandemic preparedness for the Continent – from ARVs to COVID vaccines. This support will ensure we can continue to invest and expand our capacities, secure in the knowledge of future offtakes.”   Dr Ahmed Ogwell Ouma, Acting Director Africa CDC said, “Africa CDC welcomes and wishes to congratulate Aspen, the Gates Foundation and CEPI on the conclusion of their respective agreements. These landmark agreements are a demonstration of Africa’s, and in this instance, Aspen’s ambition to further enhance Africa’s vaccine localisation efforts, its intention to diversify the pipeline for Africa-specific vaccines and to improve Africa’s ability to respond to pandemic outbreaks.  All these are critical elements to establishing health security and security of supply on the African continent in line with the vision of our New Public Health Order.”   “The urgent need to diversify vaccine manufacturing so every region can manage its own health security is one of the most significant learnings from the inequity of the COVID-19 pandemic response,” said Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI. “CEPI is working with our partners at Africa CDC  to support the expansion of vaccine manufacturing on the continent, and our collaboration with Aspen, the Gates Foundation and Serum Institute will help to deliver a sustainable and resilient business model capable of both producing routine and outbreak vaccines in Africa, for Africa .”   “Expanding the availability of affordable, high-quality vaccines that meet the needs of local communities is one of the best ways to improve health outcomes and reduce preventable deaths,” said Mark Suzman, Chief Executive Officer of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “We’re very pleased to support this agreement between Aspen and Serum Institute, which has the potential to expand vaccine production and supply in Africa, increase vaccination rates, improve pandemic preparedness, and broadly strengthen global health security.”   Over the past two decades, the increased globalization of vaccine manufacturing has generated more reliable vaccine supplies at a lower cost, helping many countries around the world reach more people with lifesaving vaccines.  In Africa, however, 99% of all vaccines administered are currently imported. Because lifesaving vaccines and treatments are not available or affordable everywhere, vaccine-preventable diseases continue to have a devastating impact on the region.  Last year, African leaders, civil society, the private sector, and organizations such as the African Union and the Africa Centres for Disease Control laid out a vision to expand regional manufacturing capacity, including an ambitious plan to produce 60% of the continent’s vaccines locally by 2040 and the launch of the Partnership for African Vaccine Manufacturing (“PAVM”), as well as a call for supranational funders and procurement agencies to source at least 30% of their requirements from African manufacturers.                                    

Aspen closes EUR 1,26 billion syndicated loan facilities

Durban, South Africa – JSE Limited listed Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited (APN), a global multinational specialty pharmaceutical company, has closed a multi-currency, syndicated term loan and revolving credit facilities agreement. These facilities, totalling circa EUR 1,26 billion equivalent, were put in place to refinance Aspen’s 2018 syndicated loan facilities.    The facilities were structured across EUR, ZAR and AUD term and revolving credit facilities, with tenors of three to four years and additional extension options available. All facilities were consolidated into a single facility agreement, with lenders ranking pari-passu. Following primary syndication, the transaction was significantly oversubscribed thereby providing substantial scale-back to the lenders.   Stephen Saad, Aspen Group Chief Executive said, “We are very pleased with the outcome of this syndication particularly noting the current global risk-off sentiment. It is encouraging to see that all invited lenders have supported the transaction which is testament to their confidence in the Aspen Group.”   Citi, FirstRand Bank Limited, acting through its Rand Merchant Bank division (“RMB”), MUFG Bank (Europe) N.V. (“MUFG”), and Nedbank Limited, acting through its Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking division (“Nedbank”) acted as Coordinators, Bookrunners and Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers for this transaction. MUFG acted as the Documentation Agent while ABSA Bank Limited acted as Facility Agent and RMB as the Publicity Agent.    Coordinators, Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners:   Mandated Lead Arrangers:   Lead Arrangers:

Aspen delivers double digit organic growth in normalised EBITDA, operating profit and earnings

Johannesburg – JSE-listed Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited (APN), a global multinational specialty pharmaceutical company, is pleased to report reviewed provisional Group financial results for the year ended 30 June 2022.   SALIENT FEATURES Revenue from continuing operations increased by 2% (+5% in constant exchange rate (“CER”)) to R38,6 billion (FY2021: R37,8 billion); Normalised EBITDA from continuing operations increased by 11% (+13% in CER) to R11,0 billion (FY2021: R9,9 billion); Normalised headline earnings per share from continuing operations increased by 24% (+26% in CER) to 1 627,6 cents (FY2021: 1 309,7 cents); Headline earnings per share from total operations increased by 31% (+31% in CER) to 1 461,2 cents (FY2021: 1 119,1 cents); Earnings per share from total operations increased by 36% (+36% in CER) to 1 432,3 cents (FY2021: 1 052,9 cents); Dividend declared to shareholders increased by 24% to 326 cents per ordinary share (FY2021: 262 cents); Aspen signs 10-year agreement with the world’s largest vaccine producer, Serum Institute of India.   Stephen Saad, Aspen Group Chief Executive said, “The Group has achieved a robust set of results for the year ended 30 June 2022, supported by improved operating margins underpinned by a lower operating expense base and a strong balance sheet, all of which provide a solid foundation for future sustainable growth.”   “Aspen has concluded a 10-year collaboration agreement with Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd. (“the Serum Institute”) to manufacture, market and distribute four Aspen-branded routine vaccines in Africa. In responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, investing billions to establish world class steriles manufacturing capability, Aspen has demonstrated its ability to partner successfully to deliver millions of doses of vaccine to the highest standard. Through this agreement with the Serum Institute, the partners are responding to the African Union’s call for more African vaccine manufacturing on the continent. Enhancing access to medicines is at the forefront of Aspen’s ESG strategy. ”   GROUP HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUING OPERATIONS) 1 – The Group assesses its operational performance using constant exchange rate (“CER”) and all segmental performance-related commentary is made with reference to the underlying CER trends. The table above compares performance from continuing operations to the prior comparable period at reported exchange rates and at CER. 2 – The CER % change is based upon the performance for the year ended 30 June 2021 restated using the average exchange rates for the year ended 30 June 2022. 3 – Operating profit before depreciation and amortisation adjusted for specific non-trading items as set out in the normalised headline earnings reconciliation on page 8 of Aspen’s Year End Results Booklet available at www.aspenpharma.com. 4 – Normalised headline earnings per share (“NHEPS”) represents headlines earnings per share (“HEPS”) adjusted for specific non-trading items as defined in the Group’s accounting policy. 5 – Dividend declared on 31 August 2022, to be paid on 26 September 2022 (2021: Declared on 1 September and paid 27 September 2021). GROUP PERFORMANCE (CONTINUING OPERATIONS) The Group has delivered a strong performance, with double digit organic growth in normalised EBITDA, operating profit and earnings. This performance is testimony to Aspen’s resilience against the backdrop of a challenging trading environment and inflationary cost pressures.   Group revenue for the financial year ended 30 June 2022 grew 2% (+5% CER) to R38 606 million with Commercial Pharmaceuticals revenue declining 1% (+1% CER) and Manufacturing revenue increasing 11% (+18% CER). Gross profit growth of 3% (+5% CER) slightly exceeded revenue growth, with the underlying segmental gross margins all showing improvement. The increased contribution from the lower margin Manufacturing segment diluted the overall gross margin percentage. Normalised EBITDA rose 11% (+13% CER) to R11 012 million, largely due to the leverage provided by lower operating expenses. NHEPS increased 24% (+26% CER) to 1627.6 cents, bolstered by reduced net financing costs. The higher percentage growth in earnings per share, relative to HEPS, is attributable to the profit on the sale of a product portfolio divested in South Africa.   Net borrowings reduced to R16,1 billion, down from the R16,3 billion reported at 30 June 2021, ensuring that the Group’s leverage ratio remained comfortably below target levels. This provided the Group with an opportunity to fund a share buy-back of R1,8 billion (2.2% of issued shares) during the year. Operating cash flow was impacted as a consequence of increased inventory investment by the Manufacturing segment in key input materials to mitigate future supply constraint risks which may arise from continued global supply chain disruptions.   SEGMENTAL PERFORMANCE (CONTINUING OPERATIONS AT CER) Commercial Pharmaceuticals Commercial Pharmaceuticals, comprising of Regional Brands and Sterile Focus Brands, grew 1% to R27 658 million. Solid underlying volume growth of 4% was impacted, primarily, by the divestment of certain products in South Africa, challenges faced by our Chinese business, including volume-based procurement (“VBP”) and COVID-19 (“COVID”) related lockdowns, as well as the impact of the geopolitical situation in Russia and Ukraine on our businesses there. Gross profit increased 3% to R16,1 billion, supported by improved margins in both Regional and Sterile Focus Brands, despite the inflationary and freight cost headwinds experienced, particularly in the second half of the financial year.   Regional Brands Regional Brands revenue increased by 3% to R17 405 million, with 13% growth from Australasia and 8% from the Americas, being the major contributors. Supply constraints and product portfolio divestments impacted the performance of Africa Middle East. Gross profit percentage was up at 56.5% (FY2021: 54.6%), driven by cost of goods savings and portfolio optimisation, combined with a favourable product mix.   Sterile Focus Brands Revenue from Sterile Focus Brands decreased 2% to R10 253 million due to lower sales in Russia CIS during the second half of the financial year and the aforementioned challenges in China. A higher gross profit percentage of 60.7% (FY2021: 60.0%) benefitted from cost of goods savings partially offset by higher logistics costs.   Manufacturing Manufacturing revenue increased 18% to R10 948 million with significant growth in finished dose form sales. This included R1,4 billion in revenue from the fill and finish… Continue reading Aspen delivers double digit organic growth in normalised EBITDA, operating profit and earnings

Aspen concludes a collaboration agreement to manufacture and make available four Aspen-branded vaccines for Africa.

Durban, South Africa – JSE Limited listed Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited (APN), a global multinational specialty pharmaceutical company, is pleased to announce that one of its wholly-owned South African subsidiaries, Aspen SA Operations (Pty) Limited (“Aspen SA Operations”), has concluded a ten-year agreement (“the Agreement”) with Serum Institute of India Pvt Ltd (“the Serum Institute”), the world’s largest vaccine producer, for Aspen SA Operations to manufacture, market and distribute four Aspen-branded routine vaccines in Africa, excluding certain markets due to the Serum Institute having granted prior rights to third parties.   The terms of Agreement for the vaccines, namely Pneumococcal Vaccine, Rotavirus Vaccine, Poly valent Meningococcal Vaccine and Hexavalent Vaccine (“the Products”), include a technical transfer and formulation, fill and finish arrangement which grants Aspen SA Operations the rights to: (i)      manufacture the Products from bulk drug substance supplied by the Serum Institute; and  (ii)     make available the Products to markets in Africa by means of transactions with designated multilateral organisations, national governments of member states of the African Union (“AU”), and other public and private market customers.    Under the Agreement, Aspen SA Operations has secured a license to the enabling know how from the Serum Institute and there is a good faith undertaking between the Parties to discuss the expansion of the Agreement to include new products or new versions of the Products.    In addition to the Agreement, Aspen also anticipates receiving grant funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (”the Gates Foundation”) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (“CEPI”) to support African regional manufacturing capacity for the affordable supply of vaccines to, among others, African countries and Gavi / UNICEF, as well as contributing to pandemic preparedness through rights to a share of Aspen’s vaccine manufacturing capacity over a period of ten years.   According to Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), currently less than 1% of vaccines used on the continent contain any local manufacture, yet through GAVI, UNICEF, COVAX and the Africa Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (“AVATT”), hundreds of millions of doses of vaccine are supplied to African countries to support both the Expanded Programme on Immunization (“EPI”), protecting children from a range of vaccine preventable diseases, as well as the provision of COVID-19 vaccines for the general population.   Stephen Saad, Aspen Group Chief Executive said, “Africa has learnt from the experience of previous pandemics including HIV and now COVID, that regional capacities are fundamental to solving regional health challenges. The agreement concluded with the Serum Institute, and the anticipated grant funding from the Gates Foundation and CEPI, complement our previously stated commitment to expand sustainable and durable vaccine manufacturing on the continent to reduce Africa’s global vaccine dependency. We look forward to partnering with Adar and the Serum Institute. They are the largest manufacturers of vaccines globally and have a proven record of supporting universal healthcare. Aspen is now well-positioned as a first mover to contribute to Continental and, by implication, global health security through the provision of world-class, competitive and proven vaccine manufacturing capability and capacity.”   The Products will be produced at Aspen’s manufacturing facility in Gqeberha which has accreditation from a range of stringent international regulatory authorities and provides medicines and vaccines to improve the health and quality of life of patients in both the domestic and international markets.   Adar Poonawalla, The Serum Institute CEO, said  “We are pleased to be partnering with Aspen and to support them in fulfilling their vaccine ambitions for Africa. We endorse their efforts to contribute towards reducing the Continent’s global vaccine dependency and we are confident that the Products will provide enhanced opportunities of wellbeing for all patients in Africa.”   Mark Suzman, Chief Executive Officer, Gates Foundation, said, “Despite significant successes in expanding access to vaccines and reducing child mortality, the recent inequities exposed by the COVID pandemic have clearly highlighted the need to strengthen Africa’s capacity to manufacture its own life-saving vaccines. As a critical step to closing this gap we are proud to be able to provide financial and technical support to this new partnership between the Serum Institute of India and Aspen and look forward to working closely with them and other regional partners to expand the supply and sources of vaccines for African and global markets going forward. This is in line with our work over two decades with a range of partners, including GAVI and Serum, to help build a diversified ecosystem to develop, manufacture and distribute high-quality, low-cost vaccines for low- and middle-income countries.”   Dr Richard Hatchett, CEPI Chief Executive Officer, added “CEPI’s partnership with Aspen, SII, and BMGF is an exciting step towards expanding vaccine manufacturing capacity in Africa, for Africa. This partnership will enhance the region’s health security and represents an important step towards preventing the kind of gross inequities of access to lifesaving vaccines that emerged during the pandemic.   “Manufacturers need sustainable and resilient business models between outbreaks, so their facilities and workforce can be ready to spring into action when needed during an epidemic or pandemic, and public sector investment will be key to unlocking this sustainability in Africa. We are proud to be part of an effort that will secure critically needed vaccine manufacturing capacity in Africa, for Africa, so that it can be ready when it faces future epidemic or pandemic threats.”   On 10 May 2022, The AU called for agencies responsible for bulk purchasing of vaccines to offtake at least 30% of all vaccines produced by Africa for global consumption. In Africa, 99% of all vaccines administered are currently imported. Enhancing access to medicines is at the forefront on Aspen’s ESG strategy.   “Africa is a significant consumer of a range of vaccines and demand will grow further in the next decade, yet the vast bulk of those vaccines are sourced from outside the continent. The Covid pandemic laid bare Africa’s vulnerability when supplies are constrained globally. We therefore welcome the announcement of the partnership for the production of routine vaccines by Aspen,” said Mr Ebrahim Patel,… Continue reading Aspen concludes a collaboration agreement to manufacture and make available four Aspen-branded vaccines for Africa.

Aspen partners with HappiMe to support Jiyana Secondary School

Stavros Nicolaou, far left with students who gratefully received Aspen's donation of computers and tablets.

Stavros Nicolaou, far left with students who gratefully received Aspen’s donation of computers and tablets. Johannesburg – Aspen Pharmacare, a leading global specialty and branded multinational pharmaceutical company, has donated 25 computers and 30 tablets to Jiyana Secondary School which produced one of the top performing students in Ekurhuleni in 2021.   This donation forms part of the “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow” program of the United Nations and involved a collaboration between Aspen, HappiMe and the South African Presidency, where the Ministry of Women and Children is hosted.   In March 2022, Aspen also refurbished Jiyana’s computer laboratory and provided additional equipment to enhance learning within this area of the school’s curriculum. These donations exemplify Aspen’s ongoing dedication towards ensuring the empowerment of our youth, women and South Africa’s future leaders. Aspen, together with the HappiMe Foundation, also donated sanitary pads for 894 girls in support of Women’s Month and as part of the Help a Girl Child Pad Drive in a bid to address and assist in combating the prevalent issue of period poverty, which has caused the stigmatisation and associated absence of female scholars.   Stavros Nicolaou Aspen Group Senior Executive Strategic Trade said, “Aspen is fully committed to the future of our young people and these donations represent a gateway to quality education and future leadership opportunities. These students already have capable teachers, so providing this additional support will give them a further advantage and assist in prospectively producing additional top achieving students at the end of the academic year. The donation of hygiene products is in line with our key sustainability goals of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages, as well as achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls.” Aspen officially handed over the donation together with the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Ms Thembi Siweya who said, “We want to thank Aspen for this positive gesture and their keen interest in community development. We hope that the school management and learners will look after this equipment and use it to improve the learning outcomes.”   Dr Keorapetse Tabane-Hlongwa, founder of the HappiMe Foundation who qualified as the first black medical oncologist in South Africa in 2008, initially approached Aspen to partner with the HappiMe Foundation in their dedicated fight against period poverty. This Foundation strives to provide sanitary towels to girls in disadvantaged communities in order to combat unnecessary school absenteeism. Dr Tabane-Hlongwa said, “We hope to connect with and inspire them, their story echoing ours, having grown up in similar communities as them. We want girls to be reminded that they can, they matter, they are seen, that they are.”

Aspen’s response to Monkeypox being declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by WHO

Durban – JSE listed company Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited (Aspen), a global multinational specialty pharmaceutical company, is positively positioned to respond as a third party for capacity fill opportunities following the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) declaration of monkeypox being a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This declaration is the first since that announced by WHO for COVID-19 in January 2020.  At the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic, Aspen was able to swiftly respond by making its extensive sterile formulation, fill and finish capabilities available in response to immediate surging demands. It would be in a position to step in and replicate this for Monkeypox should global circumstances and demands require this. Monkeypox was declared a PHEIC by WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at a press conference on 23 July 2022. The announcement was made given the rapid spread of the virus which has increased from 3 040 cases in 47 countries in June 2022 to more than 16 000 reported cases from 75 countries and territories, with five deaths reported.  Stephen Saad, Aspen Group Chief Executive said, “Aspen has always been at the forefront of providing healthcare solutions for global pandemics, as we did with the launch of one of the first generic antiretrovirals for the treatment of HIV/Aids in August 2003. We also responded swiftly and decisively to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, initially through global contributions which we made with both our anaesthetics portfolio and dexamethasone supply. This action complemented our initiatives to build capacity and expertise to support global efforts and, in particular, address vaccine access inequality. This was achieved through partnership and licensing arrangements culminating in the potential to manufacture and supply the first and only locally finished COVID-19 vaccine, Aspenovax, in Africa for Africa.” “Aspen once again stands ready to support the global effort needed to contain the latest threat which monkeypox represents, and we are available to do so through collaborations that would utilise our world class sterile and vaccine manufacturing facilities.” Aspen has invested significantly in its sterile manufacturing site in Gqeberha, this being the single largest investment in the pharmaceutical industry in South Africa. The sterile facility, which was officially opened by President Cyril Ramaphosa in March 2021, contains high-technology, state-of-the-art pharmaceutical equipment and systems to manufacture advanced sterile medicines, including vaccines. 

Aspen hosts more than 800 Mandela Day activities over 12 years

“Our purpose, To improve the health and quality of life of patients is closely aligned to the ethos of Mandela Day. This has been clearly demonstrated through our endeavours to provide citizens across the continent with vaccines which are manufactured in South Africa for Africa.”   Durban – JSE Limited listed Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited (“Aspen”), a global specialty and branded pharmaceutical company, has hosted more than 800 activities over 12 years in celebration of the annual Nelson Mandela International Day (“Mandela Day”). Stephen Saad, Aspen Group Chief Executive said, “Our purpose, To improve the health and quality of life of patients is closely aligned to the ethos of Mandela Day. This has been clearly demonstrated through our endeavours to provide citizens across the continent with vaccines which are manufactured in South Africa for Africa. Aspen has participated in Mandela Day since 2011 and we continue to endorse the campaign which this year calls on people across the world to “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are”.  Our employees have shown their humanitarian spirit celebrating Mandela Day globally in spite of the limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. They have stood firm and continued to reach out and make a difference in the lives of others, particularly during recent years when the world needed a touch of kindness the most.” “Through Mandela Day, we live our ethos of Healthcare. We Care as we work alongside an extensive range of beneficiaries across 6 continents,” added Saad. “These include abandoned, neglected, orphaned or abused babies, children and women; the elderly, hungry and homeless; individuals dealing with mental wellness challenges; students who are eager to be educated; those who are disabled; victims of the Ukrainian conflict; residents at social rehabilitation institutions; and healthcare facilities and their patients who are in dire need of support and equipment, among others.” The Nelson Mandela Foundation’s focus for 2022 is to promote community and home-based gardens, supporting fruit and indigenous tree planting, and creating awareness of the intersections between food security and climate change. Similarly, a number of Aspen’s activities include environmental efforts such as tree planting; garden maintenance, preservation and enhancement; repackaging, repurposing and distributing surplus food; recycling and fighting pollution. Aspen’s Mandela Day projects cover a wide spectrum of initiatives that include healthcare, nutrition, education, social enhancement and development, infrastructural improvements, animal wellbeing, preserving the environment, and providing employees with the opportunity to show kindness to citizens of all ages from all walks of life. Since initiating our annual Mandela Day Campaign in 2011, Aspen has impacted the lives of some 880 000 beneficiaries through more than 810 projects hosted across 40 countries.   Read more about Aspen’s Mandela Day activities at www.aspenmandeladay.com, follow us on FaceBook, Twitter or LinkedIn and engage on social media via #aspenmandeladay.

Aspen donates life-saving surgical anaesthetics for about 240 000 Lebanese patients

Aspen’s donation of anaesthetics to Lebanese patients Johannesburg, South Africa – Aspen Global Incorporated, a subsidiary of Pharmacare Limited, Africa’s largest pharmaceutical company, has donated a second supply of life-saving anaesthetics to Lebanon to facilitate surgical interventions to treat an additional 79 000 patients. This donation follows on Aspen’s donation of anaesthetics and oncology products sent to Lebanon in November 2021 to enable the treatment of more than 160 500 patients. Both donations were graciously shipped at no charge by CMA CGM Group from Belgium to Beirut. On 4 August 2020 the world’s largest non-nuclear ammonium nitrate blast occurred in Beirut, claiming the lives of more than 200 civilians and leaving more than 300 000 homes damaged and destroyed. This catastrophe occurred at a time when the country was experiencing its worst economic decline in decades. The resultant financial and humanitarian crisis has escalated unabated amid the COVID-19 pandemic, banking restrictions and further economic decline. Stavros Nicolaou, Aspen Senior Executive, Strategic Trade said, “Aspen’s primary focus is to save lives and to treat patients around the world with our high quality products, irrespective of their circumstances. The economic and humanitarian crisis being experienced in Lebanon has had a crippling impact on its people, who deserve optimal healthcare, access to critical care, surgical and life-saving interventions.  We are pleased to be able to provide a second donation of life-saving anaesthetics to Lebanon, particularly given their dire situation and shortage of critical medical supplies. As the largest manufacturer of anaesthetics outside the United States, we are confident that these donations will contribute towards the recovery of Lebanese patients who are in desperate need of treatment.” “We are grateful for the collaborative efforts between Mr Kabalan Frangieh, Ambassador of Lebanon to South Africa, Dr Firas Abiad, Minister of Public Health in Lebanon and multiple resources within Aspen who have facilitated these donations.” Mr Kabalan Frangieh, Ambassador to Lebanon in South Africa, said, “When the embassy started the campaign, we never dreamt that we would be able to make such a difference in the lives of the people in Lebanon. That was until Aspen heard our call and gracefully donated a substantial amount of anaesthetic and oncology products when Lebanon was in great need. The donations of Aspen and CMA CGM Group, together with the coordination of Lebanon’s Honorary Consul in Madagascar Mrs Michelle Azar-Hiridjee, made all the difference to our Lebanese patients.”

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Closed Period

Aspen is in a closed period from 1st January 2026 until the publication of the interim results on the JSE SENS platform on the 3rd March 2026.

The live presentation will take place in Cape Town at 08h30 on 2 March 2023.

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