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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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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Accolades

Aspen presented with prestigious SAIC Business Award

Johannesburg, South Africa – Aspen Pharmacare, a global specialty and branded pharmaceutical company was honoured at the 4th South African Investment Conference (“SAIC”) when it was presented with an award, by South African President Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, recognising Companies that Best Responded to the Challenges of the COVID Environment. The award acknowledges the role that Aspen has played in localising efforts to manufacture vaccines. Aspen has invested more than R8 billion in pharmaceutical manufacture at their flagship site in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape with a further investment of R500 million announced at the 2022 SAIC. Stavros Nicolaou, Aspen Group Senior Executive Strategic Trade said, “It is an honour for Aspen to be presented with the 2022 SAIC Business Award. We are committed to quality healthcare for all patients across the 150 countries that we distribute our products to, but Africa will always be one of our priorities. Our actions during the COVID pandemic are testimony to our resolve. During this time we have invested significantly in sterile manufacture to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, and we recently secured a license agreement to produce our own COVID-19 vaccine, Aspenovax, for distribution throughout Africa. We remain fully committed to ensuring the equitable and sustainable supply of vaccines on the African continent.” “The SA Investment Conference is a key priority for the South African Presidency and is front and center of South Africa’s economic reconstruction and recovery plan. Our commitments support President Ramaphosa’s goal of attracting R1.2 trillion in investments over 5 years of which 90% has already been secured.  Aspen has been a significant contributor to this target having executed two investment pledges with one of these fully executed which has converted our Gqeberha site into one of the world’s largest manufacturing hubs for general anaesthetics.”

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SED Initiatives

Aspen announces R500 million investment at 4th SAIC

Johannesburg, South Africa – Aspen Pharmacare, a global specialty and branded pharmaceutical company and Africa’s largest pharmaceutical company, has announced a further investment of some R500 million to its flagship pharmaceutical manufacturing site in Gqeberha. The announcement comes in the wake of more than R8 billion which Aspen has already invested in this world class manufacturing site in the Eastern Cape. Implementation of the project commenced in November 2021 and the investment will provide additional capacity for fill and finish of a range of sterile products including vaccines. Addressing guests at the South Africa Investment Conference hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Stavros Nicolaou, Aspen Group Senior Executive Strategic Trade said, “Aspen remains committed to South Africa – this is where our roots are, so Gqeberha is a natural base from which to expand our manufacturing capacity for the African continent. This additional investment in capacity expansion will increase output of our 2R vaccine vials from 60 million to 150 million per annum and it will assist Africa in addressing the unequal distribution of vaccines and provide enhanced capacity for pandemic preparedness.” As a strong advocate of local partnerships, Aspen has engaged engineering consultants and contractors from Gqerberha and Johannesburg for the project which is expected to complete in March 2023. Aspen’s highly specialised sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities at the site provide employment and skills development opportunities to nearly 500 employees.

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SED Initiatives

Aspen donates life-saving medicines for 62000 surgeries in Ukraine

Johannesburg, South Africa – Aspen Pharmacare, Africa’s largest pharmaceutical company, has extended its support to Ukraine with donations of life-saving medicines required for urgent surgical intervention. This action further demonstrates Aspen’s ongoing commitment to saving lives and improving the quality of life of patients irrespective of their location or circumstances. Stavros Nicolaou Aspen Senior Executive said, “We are in the business of saving lives and the impact of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine cannot be ignored. Ukraine is desperate for critical care, surgical and life-saving interventions and as a leading global supplier of anaesthetics and other critical medicines, we are doing everything in our power to support this humanitarian effort. We have worked tirelessly with the Embassy of Ukraine in South Africa regarding logistics and transportation and we have arranged multiple donations of anaesthetics and other medications, the first of which have arrived in Ukraine from the United Kingdom. This shipment will ensure that 40 000 life-saving surgical interventions can take place to assist critically injured and maimed patients. A second shipment, which is being dispatched from Germany and is expected to arrive in Ukraine imminently, will provide medical supplies for an additional 22 000 surgeries. The total value of these donations is approximately R11 million (approximately US$740 000). The provision of further shipments of medical supplies is currently being assessed. South Africa has also been impacted by the unfolding crisis. To this end Aspen has arranged for the safe repatriation of 25 South African students who were studying at universities in Ukraine and who were forced to flee the conflict to avoid becoming casualties of war themselves. Ten highly traumatised and emotional students were welcomed home by their families at OR Tambo International Airport on 10 March 2022 and the last two students are expected to arrive in the country within the week. Ms Liubov Abravitova, Ukraine’s Ambassador to South Africa said, “The Russian/Ukrainian conflict has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by the bombing of critical infrastructure, which has left many citizens critically injured and without medicines, water and electricity. We are grateful for Aspen’s support and life-saving medicines which brings hope to the people of Ukraine. Many Ukrainian healthcare workers are fighting the war at the frontline, working under desperate circumstances to keep the healthcare system going and this donation of critical and life-saving medicines will assist these healthcare workers to save the lives of both injured civilians and those in the armed services.”

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SED Initiatives

Aspen helps evacuate SA students stranded in the Ukraine

Aspen partners with South African Government to evacuate South African Student’s from the Ukraine conflict Johannesburg, South Africa – Aspen Pharmacare, Africa’s largest pharmaceutical company, has partnered with the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (“DIRCO”) to assist in the emergency evacuation of South African students who have been studying at various Universities in the Ukraine.   These students, many of whom have limited resources, where forced to flee the Ukraine into neighbouring countries as the Russian invasion of Ukraine erupted. A total of 25 students were stranded in the neighbouring countries of Hungary, Poland, Romania, all unable to afford emergency flights back to South Africa. After learning of the plight of these students, Aspen joined forces with DIRCO to expedite both the travel and funding requirements to assist with their safe return to South Africa.  The first group of 10 students are expected to arrive via Air France at OR Tambo International Airport imminently. Stavros Nicolaou, Aspen Senior Executive Strategic Trade, said, “The Russia-Ukraine conflict has created a significant humanitarian crisis, which has affected citizens of that nation as well as South African students studying in the Ukraine.  After the student’s appeal to our Government and corporate South Africa, Aspen, who has a presence in Ukraine and neighbouring territories, joined forces with the South African Government to ensure the timeous and safe return of these students so that they could be reunited with their loved ones.  Our youth are our future and it is a privilege for Aspen to demonstrate a spirit of Ubuntu by ensuring the safe return of these students who will hopefully be able to resume their studies as soon as circumstances permit. We expect 23 of the 25 students to be safely home by the weekend with the remaining two returning next week”. Clayson Monyela, Deputy Director General DIRCO said, “We would like to thank Aspen Pharmacare for heeding the call of our Government to partner with us and bring our citizens back home. We also want to extend a word of gratitude to all our Ambassadors, team of diplomats and South African volunteers (at home and abroad) who played a role in this project. This is the diplomacy of Ubuntu in practice”.

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Financial

Aspen delivers double digit organic revenue grown in constant exchange rates

  Johannesburg – JSE Limited listed Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited (APN), a global multinational specialty pharmaceutical company, has announced unaudited interim financial results for the six months ended 31 December 2021. SALIENT RESULTS Aspen reported the following salient results: Revenue from continuing operations increased by 4% (+10% in constant exchange rate (“CER”) to R19,4 billion (December 2020: R18,6 billion); Normalised EBITDA from continuing operations increased by 10% (+15% in CER) to R5,7 billion (December 2020: R5,2 billion); Normalised headline earnings per share from continuing operations increased by 21% (+26% in CER) to 816.4 cents (December 2020:676,2 cents); Headline earnings per share from total operations increased by 37% (+43% in CER) to 777,2 cents (December 2020: 566,2 cents); and Earnings per share from total operations increased by 32% (+37% in CER) to 736,2 cents (December 2020: 558,4 cents); and Aspen secures right to branded COVID-19 vaccine Aspenovax[1]. Stephen Saad, Aspen Group Chief Executive said, “We are proud to announce the arrival of Aspenovax with these results. Aspenovax is testament to the skills and capabilities within Aspen and their ability to deliver at the very highest level globally. Aspen shares this proud moment with all of Africa. These results reflect both the strong operating performance within Aspen and a sound balance sheet. The progress being made to margins has been through the operationalisation of the significant historic investments. Our highlight has been the delivery of 180m vaccines to Johnson & Johnson, almost all for Africa. The business has faced and continues to face unprecedented supply chain challenges as a result of COVID-19 related impacts, exacerbated by the conflict within Ukraine. We have built great momentum in the first half and providing the geopolitical challenges do not cause further deterioration, we are hopeful to repeat this performance into the second half. Our performance and capacities within our sterile manufacturing platform has created many more opportunities. We believe this demonstration of competence will be the enabler for the enhancement of future growth. “ [1] Aspen SA Operations has undertaken the required process to assess the acceptability of the Aspenovax name with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority. COMMENTARY GROUP HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUING OPERATIONS) The Group has delivered double digit organic revenue growth in constant exchange rate (“CER”) and even stronger normalised EBITDA and earnings outcomes against the backdrop of challenging trading conditions. Headwinds from the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted procurement, supply, logistics, employee productivity and customer demand. Consistent supply of the COVID -19 vaccines manufactured at our Gqeberha site in South Africa further illustrated Aspen’s capability and commitment to providing access to high quality medicine to patients.   The recent conclusion of an agreement with Johnson & Johnson for an Aspen branded COVID-19 vaccine, Aspenovax, will enable Aspen to make a meaningful contribution to improving equitable COVID-19 vaccine access for Africa. This has been made possible by Johnson & Johnson’s unstinting support in enabling Aspen to pursue its vision for a COVID vaccine brand for Africa, the proven capabilities of our manufacturing team in Gqeberha and the strong encouragement of a number of influential African leaders. The Group assesses its operational performance using CER and all segmental performance-related commentary is made with reference to the underlying CER trends. The table below compares performance from continuing operations to the prior comparable period at reported exchange rates and at CER. The strengthening of the ZAR (relative to the rates in the comparable prior period) against the majority of the other currencies in which Aspen trades, has diluted all reported profit and earnings metrics. The CER % change is based upon the performance for the six months ended 31 December 2020 restated using the average exchange rates for the six months ended 31 December 2021. 1 Operating profit before depreciation and amortisation adjusted for specific non-trading items as defined in the Group’s accounting policy. 2 NHEPS is HEPS adjusted for specific non-trading items as defined in the Group’s accounting policy. Group revenue for the six months ended 31 December 2021 grew 4% (+10% CER) to R19,4 billion with Commercial Pharmaceuticals remaining flat (+5% CER) and Manufacturing up 19% (+30% CER). Normalised EBITDA rose 10% (+15% CER) to R5,7 billion. This growth exceeded that of revenue due to an improved normalised EBITDA margin and the leverage provided by lower operating expenses. Normalised headline earnings per share (“NHEPS”) increased 21% (+26% CER) to R8,16, helped by reduced net financing costs. Net borrowings increased to R19,3 billion from R16,3 billion at 30 June 2021, driven primarily by deferred consideration payments relating to prior year business transactions, a dividend paid to shareholders and the weaker ZAR closing rate relative to 30 June 2021. Operating cash flow was in line with expectations and included increased inventory investment by Manufacturing in key input materials to mitigate future supply constraint risk arising from COVID-19 disruption to global supply chains and logistics. On 1 March 2022, the Group successfully concluded an agreement with Acino Pharma AG for the sale of a portfolio of products in South Africa for a consideration of R1,8 billion, plus the cost of inventory, which consideration has been received. SEGMENTAL PERFORMANCE (CONTINUING OPERATIONS AT CER) Commercial Pharmaceuticals Commercial Pharmaceuticals, comprising Aspen’s Regional Brands and Sterile Focus Brands, grew 5% to R14,3 billion. Gross profit increased 6% to R8,3 billion supported by improved margins in both Regional and Sterile Focus Brands. Regional Brands Regional Brands revenue increased by 4% to R8,7 billion, with 18% growth from Australasia being the major contributor. Supply constraints severely impacted the performance of Aspen’s major Regional Brand region, Africa Middle East. Gross profit percentage was up for the period at 56.9% (H1 2021 : 56.0%), driven by cost of goods savings and favourable product mix. Sterile Focus Brands Revenue from Sterile Focus Brands increased 5% to R5,5 billion led by strong growth in Asia (+11%). This growth was against the backdrop of the prior period benefitting from strong COVID-19 related sales. A higher gross profit percentage of 61.0% (H1 2021 : 60.1%) benefitted from a favourable Anaesthetic product mix

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Shauneen Beukes
Group Communications Consultant
+27 31 580 8600
+27 82 389 8900
sbeukes@aspenpharma.com

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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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