Healthcare Headlines: Legal Battles, Financial Shifts, and Market Trends

This article summarizes key developments in the health sector including a lawsuit blocking UnitedHealth's purchase of Amedisys, AstraZeneca's boosted forecast, and Pfizer's potential sale of its hospital drugs unit. Other highlights include a decline in STI rates, Elanco's SEC settlement, and Novavax's forecast cut.

The health sector is witnessing significant developments as legal, financial, and market dynamics come into play. The U.S. Justice Department has launched a lawsuit to prevent UnitedHealth Group's $3.3 billion acquisition of Amedisys Inc, citing concerns over reduced competition in home health services.

Meanwhile, AstraZeneca has upped its 2024 financial outlook amidst demand surges for its oncology and rare disease treatments. The pharmaceutical giant is also increasing investment in U.S. R&D, unveiling plans to spend $2 billion on new manufacturing facilities.

In other news, the CDC reports a decline in sexually transmitted infections, while Pfizer considers divesting its hospital drugs unit. Elanco agrees to a $15 million fine following SEC fraud charges, and Novavax lowers revenue projections due to diminishing COVID-19 vaccine sales.

(With inputs from agencies.)