Hetero SA, the SA arm of Indian generics manufacturer Hetero, launched an urgent High Court challenge against the Department of Health after being excluded from the new R15.5bn HIV drug tender, reported Business Day (18 Nov 2025)
Hetero argues that it was unfairly disqualified from supplying the key TLD “three-in-one” antiretroviral used by most of South Africa’s 5.6m patients. According to Hetero it was accused, without due process, of suspected price collusion with another bidder, which it denies, claiming its pricing would have saved the state about R86m.
The Department of Health and successful bidders, including Pharma Dynamics and MacLeods, oppose the application.