Health Sector Headlines: Drug Trials, Obesity, Polio Vaccination, and More

A summary of current health news includes findings from a mid-stage study of Recursion Pharmaceuticals' blood vessel disorder drug, rising obesity rates in China linked to economic factors, a profit shortfall for Aspen Pharmacare, an Ozempic shortage forecast by Novo Nordisk, above-target polio vaccinations in Gaza, mpox cases in Jordan and East DR Congo, U.S. drug price negotiations, Illumina's court victory, and Sanofi's mixed results in multiple sclerosis drug trials.

Recursion Pharmaceuticals' experimental drug for blood vessel disorder has met its safety and tolerability targets in a mid-stage study, although company shares dipped by 6.6% in premarket trading.

China faces an increasing obesity rate driven by economic malaise affecting meal choices and work habits, compounding future healthcare costs, experts warn.

Aspen Pharmacare reported flat full-year earnings due to higher acquisition costs and economic impacts from China, despite targeting mid-single digit growth.

Novo Nordisk predicts an Ozempic shortage will persist into Q4 2024 due to rising demand and manufacturing limitations, urging restricted new patient treatment.

The WHO's polio vaccination campaign in Gaza has surpassed initial targets, inoculating a quarter of children under 10 amid ongoing conflict.

Jordan confirmed an mpox case in a non-resident, while hospitals in DR Congo face severe shortages battling the outbreak.

A Reuters review reveals U.S. prescription drug costs post-negotiations remain significantly higher than in other high-income nations.

Illumina's legal victory curtails EU regulatory power over its $7.1 billion acquisition of cancer test maker Grail.

Sanofi's trials for its MS drug showed mixed results, with a surprising success in progressive MS, although relapsing forms missed primary goals.

(With inputs from agencies.)