According to a recent report, Novo Nordisk has partnered with South Africa’s Aspen Pharmacare to produce human insulin for African countries. The Danish drugmaker aims to improve access to life-saving insulin for people living with diabetes in Africa. Through a low-cost government tender system, Novo Nordisk plans to produce 16 million vials of insulin next year, marking its expanded commitment.
In another development, Boston Scientific, a medical device maker, has announced its acquisition of Relivant Medsystems for $850 million. This move is aimed at expanding treatment options for chronic low back pain. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2024 and includes additional payments based on Relivant’s sales performance over the next three years.
GSK’s HIV-focused unit, ViiV Healthcare, has received authorization from the European Commission for its long-acting cabotegravir injectable and tablets. Cabotegravir is recommended as part of a combination therapy with safer sex practices for adults and adolescents at high risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 infection.
Novo Nordisk continues to make headlines as it hires US private company PCI Pharma Services to handle the assembly and packaging of Wegovy, a weight-loss drug. With increasing demand for Wegovy pens used for self-injection administration, this partnership will help Novo Nordisk ramp up production.
Beigene announced that it will regain global rights to develop and sell its cancer drug tislelizumab or Tevimbra after terminating its licensing agreement with Novartis. This decision allows Beigene full control over the drug without royalty payments.
The fight against AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria faces obstacles due to climate change and conflict. The head of the Global Fund warns that these factors are affecting efforts to combat these deadly infectious diseases. Despite recovering from the impact of COVID-19 pandemic disruptions, international efforts still face challenges in addressing these diseases effectively.
GE HealthCare Technologies has received a grant of over $44 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop AI-assisted ultrasound technology. This funding will support the development of self-assessment tools and applications for maternal and fetal health, as well as respiratory diseases.
Novo Nordisk shares experienced a decline following reports of quality control issues at its plant in Clayton, North Carolina. While the authenticity of these reports remains unverified, Novo Nordisk assured that the site is operational and producing for the market.
EU antitrust regulators have conducted raids on a cardiovascular medical device company over concerns of potential market power abuse. The European Commission is investigating possible violations of antitrust rules.
BioNTech, a German biotechnology company, has secured up to $90 million in funding for the development of mpox vaccine candidates. The partnership aims to prevent mpox, a viral disease that causes skin rashes and can be transmitted through physical contact.
As a unit, these recent developments in the healthcare industry highlight various advancements and challenges. From improving access to life-saving medications like insulin in Africa to expanding treatment options for chronic pain and addressing infectious diseases amidst climate change and conflict – these news briefs shed light on critical areas within the healthcare sector.
It is widely noted that ( these updates provide valuable insights into ongoing efforts by pharmaceutical companies, medical device makers, and global organizations to enhance healthcare outcomes worldwide.
