Share Price:

APNASPENAspen Pharmacare Hldgs13636-19 (-0.14%)
Our Response to Covid
Country Sites

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.

Press Releases
Transactions

Aspen announces agreement with Johnson & Johnson to manufacture investigational COVID-19 vaccine candidate

Durban, South Africa – Aspen is pleased to announce that one of its wholly-owned South African subsidiaries, Pharmacare Limited (which trades as “Aspen Pharmacare”), has entered into a preliminary agreement with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, two of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, for the technical transfer and proposed commercial manufacture of their COVID-19 vaccine candidate, Ad26.COV2-S. The vaccine candidate is currently undergoing clinical trials. Aspen Pharmacare will perform formulation, filling and secondary packaging of the vaccine for supply to Johnson & Johnson. This agreement is still subject to the successful completion of the relevant technology transfer activities and finalisation of certain commercial manufacturing terms.  Aspen Pharmacare has agreed to provide the necessary capacity required for the manufacture of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate at its existing sterile facility in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Aspen has invested in excess of R3 billion in the facility together with the high technology equipment and systems that will be used to manufacture state-of-the-art sterile drugs and vaccines, packaged into vials, ampoules and pre-filled syringes. The production area where it is intended that the vaccine candidates will be manufactured has capacity to produce more than 300 million doses per annum. The facility has accreditation from a range of international regulatory authorities and provides lifesaving medicines to both the domestic and international markets. It was part of the first flagship investments announced at the President’s inaugural South African Investment conference. Stephen Saad, Aspen Group Chief Executive said “We have invested globally in our sterile capability and are determined to play a role in the manufacture of vaccines to add to our proud track record of making contributions to humanity in times of global pandemics. This has included, inter alia, being a leading global supplier for antiretrovirals for the treatment of HIV/AIDS, multi-drug-resistant-TB products and COVID-19-related treatments such as anaesthetics and dexamethasone. We have been selected as a vaccine partner by Johnson & Johnson and this project will receive priority focus. We are particularly pleased to be given the opportunity of providing assistance for patients in need across the world from our South African base.”        

Read More
Financial

Aspen increases revenue by 9% to R38,6 billion

Johannesburg – JSE Limited listed Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited (APN), a global multinational specialty pharmaceutical company, has announced reviewed provisional Group financial results for the year ended 30 June 2020. COMMENTARY RESHAPING OF THE GROUP The recently announced agreement to divest the assets related to the commercialisation of Aspen’s Thrombosis business in Europe to Mylan (refer SENS announcement of 8 September 2020) marks the end of the process to reshape the foundation of the Group. Following the completion of this transaction, Aspen’s Commercial Pharmaceuticals business will be heavily weighted towards territories where we have demonstrated capabilities and a strong performance record, largely in Emerging Markets. A higher proportion of our business will be exposed to the private sector and will be better positioned to benefit from the expanding middle classes in Emerging Markets, where our trusted and proven brands are well placed to support the increasing medical demands of these growing populations. The receipt of the proceeds from the aforementioned transaction with Mylan will again give us scope for acquisitive investment to support initiatives aimed at enhancing value in areas of strength. Our significant investment in capital expenditure to build our sterile manufacturing capacities has been slightly delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This investment is planned to peak in the year ahead before reducing rapidly in subsequent years as the projects reach their end. The complex and niche production capabilities installed will allow us to reduce cost of goods within our existing portfolio. It also allows us to leverage this sought after capacity, particularly with big pharma, to further expand our global presence in steriles thus enhancing our offering of quality, affordable medicines. As a result of our reshaping of the Group and our significant investment in sterile manufacturing, Aspen is highly differentiated from our peer group as it is the most Emerging Market-focused specialty pharmaceutical company and a global leader in the production of sterile products. COVID-19 IMPACT The COVID-19 pandemic has created great uncertainty and many challenges for people and companies across the globe. Despite this, Aspen’s business model has proven resilient. Our relevant product portfolio, effective business continuity plans and safety measures to protect our employees have enabled us to remain in full operation throughout this period. We are most proud of the commitment shown by all of Aspen’s employees, with special gratitude to those at the production sites, for ensuring we have been able to maintain the supply of essential medicines to COVID-19 and other patients around the world under these circumstances. The volatility associated with the pandemic has had an adverse impact on our results in the second half of the 2020 financial year. This impact has varied by timing and region. The hard lockdown in China significantly restricted sales of medicines there for at least three months. Conversely, early in the first wave we experienced a spike in demand for certain of our medicines, most notably in South Africa, Australia and Mexico. This was followed by the predicted drop in demand as the resultant abnormally high inventory in-market levels were normalised. In Europe, there was a significant need for our sterile products required to treat COVID-19 patients during the height of infections, but a decline in orders for products related to elective surgeries. The period after the first wave has been characterised by continued social distancing, leading to reduced infection rates in non-COVID-19 communicable diseases and a slow and uncoordinated resumption of elective surgeries which has adversely impacted our performance. Despite the many challenges experienced during the second half of the financial year, we have made great progress against each of our medium-term priorities, while maintaining the supply of our medicines to patients in need around the world. GROUP PERFORMANCE (CONTINUING OPERATIONS) Group revenue increased 9% to ZAR 38,6 billion and Normalised EBITDA increased 7% to ZAR 11,0 billion for the 12 months ended 30 June 2020. The increase in Group revenue was supported by growth from Commercial Pharmaceuticals (+6%), despite the difficult trading conditions, and a pleasing performance from Manufacturing (+22%). Normalised headline earnings per share (NHEPS) increased 9% to ZAR 14,65, favourably impacted by lower financing costs. Strong second half cash flows resulted in a positive cash inflow from working capital for the 12 months ended 30 June 2020 and supported a cash conversion rate of 142%. Net borrowings declined ZAR 3,8 billion to ZAR 35,2 billion. The strong cash generation was offset by ZAR 5,6 billion in unfavourable currency movements. The leverage ratio in terms of the Facilities Agreement of 2.89 times is comfortably below the covenant leverage ratio of 3.5 times. Testing of intangible and tangible assets for impairment has resulted in impairments of ZAR 1,5 billion arising primarily from a decline in the outlook for the affected products. Discontinued operations include the Nutritionals Business, the Asia Pacific non-core pharmaceutical portfolio, both divested in the 2019 financial year, as well as the Japanese Business and the Public Sector ARVs. The Japanese business divestment became effective on 31 January 2020. The South African Public sector ARV transaction with Laurus, a leading Indian producer of ARV APIs, became effective in June 2020. Material relative movements in exchange rates in the last four months of the financial year have had a positive impact on financial performance, as is illustrated in the table below (which compares performance in the prior comparable period at previously reported exchange rates and then at constant exchange rates (“CER”)). The CER results for the 12 months ended 30 June 2019 restate the performance for that period using the average exchange rates for the 12 months ended 30 June 2020.   For the 12 months ended 30 June 2020   Continuing operations Reported FY 2020R’million Restated ReportedFY 2019^ R’million Change at reportedrates % Restated CER FY2019 ^ Change at CER %   Revenue 38 647 35 514 9% 37 320 4%   Normalised EBITDA * 10 968 10 277 7% 10 699 3%   NHEPS ** (cents) 1 464,6 1 344,8 9% 1 397,7 5%   ^ FY 2019

Read More

Divestment of Aspen’s European Thrombosis Business to Mylan and withdrawal of cautionary

Johannesburg – Following the release of a cautionary announcement on 24 August 2020, Aspen is pleased to announce that, Aspen Global Incorporated (“AGI”), its wholly owned subsidiary incorporated in Mauritius, has concluded an agreement in terms of which Mylan Ireland Limited (“Mylan”) will acquire the commercialisation rights and related intellectual property relating to Aspen’s Thrombosis Business in Europe1 (the “Assets”) for a purchase consideration of EUR 641.9 million, plus the cost of the related inventory (the “Transaction”). AGI’s thrombosis products (the “Products”) are sold under the brand names, and variations of the brand names, Arixtra, Fraxiparine, Mono-Embolex and Orgaran in Europe. Mylan has retained AGI (via its subsidiary, Aspen France SAS, “Aspen France”) as its distributor of the Products in France. The Transaction will be conditional upon the fulfilment of customary conditions precedent applicable to transactions of this nature. It is anticipated that the Transaction will complete before 31 December 2020. Mylan is a global pharmaceutical company, with principal offices in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, United States of America. Mylan has a significant presence in Europe, generating sales of over USD 4 billion in 2019. Transaction details The disposal of the Assets comprises the following elements relating exclusively to the Products in Europe: intellectual property required for their commercialisation, and any related goodwill owned by AGI and its subsidiaries2; product registrations and marketing authorisations; and the related inventory3. The purchase consideration payable by Mylan for the Assets, other than the inventory, of EUR 641.9 million is structured as follows: Upfront cash consideration upon completion:    EUR 263.2 million Deferred cash consideration payable on 25 June 2021:  EUR 378.7 million The proceeds from the Transaction will be used to reduce the Group’s debt. The transfer to Mylan of employees engaged in the Thrombosis Business will take place in accordance with European labour law regulations. Contemporaneously with the Transaction, Aspen and Mylan will enter into a Manufacturing and Supply Agreement (the “MSA”) in terms of which Aspen will supply Products to Mylan for the Territory. Financial information in respect of the Transaction The Assets contributed approximately ZAR 1.91 billion4,5 in revenue, ZAR 0.53 billion5 in operating profit and ZAR 0.45 billion5 in profit after tax6 to the Group for the six months ended 31 December 2019. The Net Asset Value of the Assets 1  Excludes Russia and the other Commonwealth of Independent States countries 2  Excluding certain goodwill relating to distribution of the Products in France 3  Excluding inventory in France where Aspen France will continue to distribute the Products was approximately ZAR 9.25 billion7 as at 31 December 2019. It is expected that the net proceeds from the Transaction will not vary materially from the Net Asset Value of the Assets at time of completion of the Transaction. Rationale In March 2019, Aspen announced that it would undertake a strategic review in respect of its Europe CIS Commercial business (“the Business”). The review has focused on assessing alternative models for the conduct of the Business and in determining the range of available options with a view to optimising the Group’s sustainable returns. In line with the objectives of the strategic review, Aspen is of the view that the disposal of the commercialisation rights to the Products while continuing to manufacture and supply the Products is an attractive option for the following reasons: the Transaction supports Aspen’s strategy of continuing to reshape the Group towards a greater concentration of revenue in Emerging Markets (“EMs”) – the Thrombosis business that Aspen will retain is almost exclusively in EMs and well supported by strong sales representation; the disposal will allow Aspen to achieve a more streamlined Business in Europe; in terms of the MSA, Aspen will continue to manufacture and supply the Products, contributing its significant expertise in the production of sterile injectables; the positive cash inflow from the proceeds of the disposal will allow Aspen to further strengthen its balance sheet and assist in establishing financial headroom for future investments; and Mylan represents the ideal partner to acquire these assets given the company’s strength in Europe, commitment to the injectables and biosimilars space and comparable employee-first culture and values. Categorisation of the Transaction and Withdrawal of Cautionary In terms of the JSE Limited Listings Requirements the Transaction is categorised as a Category 2 transaction. This cautionary, as issued by Aspen on 24 August 2020, is hereby withdrawn. 4  Includes revenue in France of ZAR 0.36 billion related to the Products that Aspen will continue to distribute and recognise the revenue 5  Aspen average exchange rate for the six months ended 31 December 2019 was ZAR16.30 to 1 EUR 6  Profit after tax excludes any notional saving in interest paid arising from the repayment of borrowings with the net proceeds from the Transaction 7 Aspen closing exchange rate as at the 31 December 2019 was ZAR15.69 to 1 EUR

Read More
SED Initiatives

Aspen celebrates a decade of participation in Mandela Day

Johannesburg – JSE Limited listed Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited (APN), a global multinational specialty pharmaceutical company, is celebrating its 10th year of participation in the annual Mandela International Day (Mandela Day) campaign. Stephen Saad, Aspen Group Chief Executive said, “We participated in our first initiative in 2011 when we partnered with the Rekopane Inclusive Development Centre based in Germiston, Gauteng. Through a multi-phased initiative we helped to improve the environment for the some 50 mentally and physically challenged children who were based at the Centre. Little were we to know at that time, that our annual Mandela Day initiative would gain such significant momentum and be implemented across our businesses in some 40 countries.” “Our employees continue to drive our Mandela Day campaign and it’s always encouraging to see their involvement and enthusiasm as we collectively strive to make a meaningful difference in the world. Every action, irrespective whether it is financial, physical, emotional or a gesture of sincere kindness, contributes toward uplifting someone who is less fortunate. Although participation is voluntary, it has been widely embraced and many employees have become active contributors to worthy causes in a personal capacity since being exposed to Mandela Day. This attitude is particularly pleasing as it is so closely aligned with our ethos of displaying respect while instilling a spirit of dignity in disadvantaged citizens and it speaks so closely to our credo of Healthcare. We Care.” Despite the global ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Aspen has continued with its Mandela Day efforts and is, dependent on whether circumstances allow, providing for activities to take place from July to December 2020. While COVID-19 may have limited direct social engagement with beneficiaries this has not stopped Aspen’s employees who have adopted alternative measures, some of which include blanket drives, food relief, blood donations, the provision of educational aids and many others. Aspen’s Mandela Day projects cover a broad 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 2001, Aspen has engaged in more than 580 projects in 40 countries which have impacted the lives of some 782 000 beneficiaries. 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.     

Read More
Accolades

Aspen debuts in the FTSE4Good Index Series

The annual FTSE Russell Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Ratings have been published and Aspen has been included as a constituent member in the global FTSE4Good Index Series for the first time. Jeanette Englund Aspen Group Risk Sustainability Manager said, “We are delighted to be included in the global FTSE4Good Index Series for the first time. Results from the June 2020 assessment indicate that Aspen’s overall score improved significantly from 3.7 to 4.5 out of a possible 5. Inclusion in this Index Series has also resulted in Aspen being positioned in the Top 30 of the FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Index as published at the end of June 2020. These outcomes are  attributable to the committed team who have collaborated to ensure that Aspen’s ESG related strategies and programmes and related disclosures meet the expectations of various ESG stakeholders.” FTSE Russell uses the FTSE4Good Index Series as a multi-dimensional measure of the performance of companies demonstrating strong ESG exposure and practices. It provides the investment community with a tool for portfolio design and management to investigate ESG criteria, or as a framework for corporate engagement and stewardship. Reg Hamman, Aspen’s newly appointed Group Corporate Services Officer, congratulated the team on the inclusion and score improvement. He said, “This achievement sets the bar very high for future years KPIs and I’m confident that we can continue to strive to score admirably in the FTSE4Good Index Series.” FTSE Russell (the trading name of FTSE International Limited and Frank Russell Company) confirms that Aspen Pharmacare Holdings has been independently assessed according to the FTSE4Good criteria, and has satisfied the requirements to become a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index Series. Created by the global index provider FTSE Russell, the FTSE4Good Index Series is designed to measure the performance of companies demonstrating strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices. The FTSE4Good indices are used by a wide variety of market participants to create and assess responsible investment funds and other products.

Read More
SED Initiatives

Aspen donates electronic devices valued at R2.4 million to assist UP medical students

An Aspen Pharmacare initiative Johannesburg – JSE Limited listed Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited (Aspen), a global multinational specialty pharmaceutical company headquartered in South Africa, has donated 600 internet-enabled electronic devices valued at R2.4 million to support students from the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria (UP). Stavros Nicolaou, Aspen Pharmacare Senior Executive: Strategic Trade said, “Aspen is humbled to serve South Africa in its time of need, as we work together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.  The provision of these devices to students not only helps to ensure that they have continued access to online education, but also limits their need for travel.  This donation will help curb the transmission-risk of the virus as the new academic semester begins, allowing students to undertake their studies remotely. We are deeply committed to supporting the sectors and communities in which we operate, both during the current crisis, and in the longer term, as we assist to create sustainable communities in South Africa.” Professor Robin Green, UP Chairperson of the School of Medicine said, “While the COVID-19 crisis has created a world of hurt and sadness, it has also allowed the kindness and generosity of the world to shine. We appreciate the generous donation that Aspen has made to the Faculty to assist students with distance learning and to enable them to continue with the 2020 academic year.” Following a rigorous screening process by the UP, the devices were earmarked for selected registered Faculty of Health Sciences students who attend classes regularly and who are unable to purchase the device for themselves. The tablets were handed over under strictly controlled hygiene and safety protocols, ahead of the commencement of remote lectures and training that resumed on 4 May 2020. Nicolaou added that this donation is in line with the country’s ambitions of harnessing digital innovation to benefit disadvantaged students, during these difficult times and into the future. “The donation of equipment further complements the University of Pretoria’s efforts to ensure that students from medicine and the other health science disciplines are able to continue with their curriculum and to minimise disruptions to the academic year,” said Nicolaou.

Read More
SED Initiatives

AGI: Covid-19 support in Mauritius

Aspen donates anaesthetic medicines to patients in critical condition An Aspen Global Incorporated Initiative Ministry of Health, Emmanuel Anquetil Building, Port Louis, 29 April 2020: In a major contribution in our fight against Covid-19, Aspen Global Incorporated, the Mauritian subsidiary of Aspen Pharmacare Holdings (a multinational pharmaceutical company), has donated approximately 30,000 vials of three anaesthetic products (Diprivan, Nimbex and Tracrium) used to treat patients in intensive care units (ICUs) with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Due to the current COVID-19 crisis, these medically critical products have become scarcer as demand has increased worldwide. It is in this context that Aspen has offered its help to Mauritius by donating a shipment of these products to the government, which were formally remitted to the Minister of Health and Wellness, Kailesh Jagutpal, during an official ceremony held on Wednesday the 29th of April 2020, at the Minister’s office in Port Louis. “We are really pleased to have offered our assistance to Mauritius in these testing times. Our sole intention is to give a helping hand to the country where we have based our global business. We all need to pool our resources to rid the world of this invisible enemy as quickly as possible with the fewest casualties. This initiative is in line with the Aspen Group’s motto: ‘Health Care, We Care’; and our aspirations are to care for our patients, our employees and our community. Though our stock for this product is limited in view of global demand, we will continue to consider all requests from Mauritius as a top priority,” says Samer Kassem, CEO of Aspen Global Incorporated. “I take note, with immense pleasure, of this act of generosity on behalf of Aspen. This is yet another example of the healthy and precious collaboration between the public and the private sector, I am confident that the existing robust relationship between the two sectors will keep on strengthening. Aspen’s initiative in providing us with this important stock of anaesthetic drugs, in spite of the challenging and difficult global situation when it comes to movement of goods, is very much appreciated. The ongoing COVID-19 situation is a planetary challenge, I remain confident that together, with all our stakeholders involved in the fight against the novel coronavirus, we will succeed in ascertaining that our population is provided with the best and most efficient health care possible”, states Kailesh Jagutpal, Minister of Health and Wellness. These high-end pharmaceutical products are indeed essential in the process of intubating patients for ventilation, as they induce light to deep sedation and muscle relaxation. Securing this stock is very important at this stage of the epidemic as it extends the country’s capacity to care for the most serious forms of illnesses due to Covid-19 in our hospitals. Indeed, this coronavirus leads, in some cases, to ARDS. The anaesthetics donated by Aspen, the use of which has been confirmed by the Covid-19 Guidelines issued by the European Society of Intensive Care, helps doctors to find the right synchronisation between the patient and the mechanical ventilator. The advisor to the Government of Mauritius, Dr Catherine Gaud, who has been instrumental in linking Aspen to the authorities was also present at the ceremony and lauded this initiative “Such partnerships with the private sector show the sense of solidarity that all Mauritians are demonstrating in the wake of this disease. How a country combats the COVID-19 and any other pandemic of this amplitude will also depend on such solidarity.” This initiative is very important to Aspen as it is in line with its commitment to supporting the communities in which it operates. Mauritius has been the launchpad for the global expansion of the group since 2008 and, the passionate staff and their families have been very active in carrying out social initiatives towards the community since its establishment 12 years ago. While Covid-19 is yet another challenge, bringing hardship to people around the world, it also represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to “reset” our humanity and connect with others and nature as never before.

Read More

Media Enquiries

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

Categories

Categories

Share on social

Follow on social

Facebook-f Twitter-square Instagram Linkedin

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.

Corporate

Our career opportunities are across the corporate spectrum, including Human Capital, Digital Technology, Legal, and Risk & Sustainability. Our employees are given the opportunity to hone their skills and develop the experience of excellence in their chosen field in the pharmaceutical industry.

View our teams below:

Human Capital
Legal

Supply Chain

Treasury
Ethics & Compliance
Risk & Sustainability
Digital Technology

Tax