About IPASA
Who We Are
OUR DEDICATION TO IMPROVING LIVES
Imagine a future where every person no matter where they live can access the lifesaving treatments they need, exactly when they need them. A future where global medical breakthroughs don’t delay but reach patients quickly creating meaningful local impact.
For IPASA and its members this is not just an aspiration, it’s the purpose that drives everything we do. As long-standing contributors to South Africa’s health system, we are dedicated to expanding access, delivering hope, and improving outcomes for patients through bold partnerships, strategic collaboration, and a deep commitment to bridging the health inequality gap.
This is our purpose. This is why we’re here. One breakthrough at a time.
OUR COMMITMENT TO A HEALTHIER SOUTH AFRICA
As IPASA, we believe that access to quality healthcare is not a privilege but a constitutional right and a national imperative. We are deeply committed to contributing to the strengthening of South Africa’s unique and evolving healthcare system, not as bystanders, but as active co-creators of a more equitable, patient-centred future.
A commitment to a future where innovation reaches every patient.
GLOBAL SCIENCE FOR LOCAL IMPACT
We bring global innovation to local communities ensuring that South African patients benefit from the latest scientific advancements. However, our contribution goes far beyond the medicine. IPASA and its members of innovative pharmaceutical companies invest in local clinical trials that offer early access to next-generation therapies, in Corporate Social Investment (CSI) that uplifts underserved communities, and in building local capacity through technology and skills transfer. We are part of the national ecosystem and remain committed to strengthen it further, together.
What we stand for
OUR MISSION
Support and promote high standards of research and development of pharmaceutical solutions, to contribute positively to the healthcare value chain and to advance ethical conduct in the pharmaceutical industry.
OUR VISION
Shape an environment where innovation and excellence in the SA pharmaceutical industry can flourish and add significant value.
IPASA Executives
IPASA’s executive committee consists of a president, vice president, five committee members and an ex officio member.
Wendy Cupido
President
Gilead General Manager
Jorge Levinson
Vice President
Bayer Country Cluster Head Pharmaceuticals Sub-Saharan Africa
Sara Norcross
Member
Novo Nordisk Vice President & General Manager South Africa
Lenisha Maharaj
Member
Sanofi for South Africa General Manager, Namibia and Botswana
Shaun Nomame
Member
Takeda (Pty) Ltd General Manager, South Africa
Sue Cartwright
Member
GSK South Africa Country Manager
Bert Maddens
Member
AbbVie General Manager South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa
IPASA Team
Wendy Cupido
IPASA President
Jorge Levinson
IPASA Vice President
Dr Jasvanti Bhana
IPASA Chief Executive Officer
Siphiwe Ledingwane
Director: Public Relations, Communications and Projects
Delwynn Thomson
Office Administrator
MEMBERS
Joining IPASA is voluntary and reserved for companies actively engaged in their own research and development. IPASA currently represents around 43% of South Africa’s private pharmaceutical sector. Our members are leading pharmaceutical companies committed to delivering innovation, quality, and meaningful healthcare solutions to the South African market.