Current Health News: Abortion Ban, Weight Loss Drugs, and Investments

In recent health news, Utah's Supreme Court halted the enforcement of an abortion ban. Companies such as Mettler-Toledo and Eli Lilly report on profits and drug availability. Family doctors in England plan industrial action, and Sanofi and Biogen announce significant investments and forecasts.

Utah's highest court on Thursday refused to permit a near-total abortion ban while Planned Parenthood's challenge is considered by a lower court. The Utah Supreme Court's 4-1 opinion supported Judge Andrew Stone's decision to block the law, citing concerns about its constitutionality.

Mettler-Toledo International indicated a less-than-expected profit for the third quarter due to weak demand in China. Life sciences firms are facing sluggish sales amid a funding crunch and high interest rates.

Eli Lilly's weight loss drug Zepbound showed a significant reduction in heart failure risks in trials, boosting their stock by over 3%. Additionally, the company's CEO announced that their weight-loss drug shortage in the U.S. will end soon.

English family doctors will begin industrial action following a vote in favour by the majority of GPs over funding and contract changes. The BMA trade union highlighted that 98.3% of voting GPs supported the move.

Sanofi is set to invest 1.3 billion euros in a new insulin facility in Frankfurt, replacing its current plant by 2029. Meanwhile, Biogen has raised its profit forecast owing to cost cuts and better-than-expected treatment sales.

Walgreens has further reduced its stake in drug distributor Cencora, selling shares worth about $1.1 billion and decreasing its ownership from 12% to 10%.

Medical equipment maker ResMed posted fourth-quarter revenue matching estimates at $1.22 billion, driven by demand for sleep apnea devices.

Novo Nordisk launched its Wegovy weight-loss drug in Australia, expanding its market presence to 12 countries amid rising competition.

(With inputs from agencies.)