Concerns grow over gaps in bird flu surveillance

Reuters reported on 1 July that scientists tracking the spread of bird flu have raised concerns about gaps in surveillance, fearing it could lead to a delayed response to a potential new pandemic.

Life Healthcare seals deal on cancer-screening tool

Business Day (1 July 2024) reported that Life Healthcare’s subsidiary, Life Molecular Imaging (LMI), has successfully sub-licensed its early-stage novel radiotherapeutic and radio diagnostic products (RM2) to the US-based Lantheus Holdings. This follows Life Healthcare’s decision to retain LMI within its portfolio after selling Alliance Medical Group for R21bn. Under the terms of the agreement, Lantheus will pay an upfront fee of $35m (approximately R650 million) for the sub-licensing rights.

India to encourage production diabetes and obesity drugs

Indian companies may soon start manufacturing the obesity drug Wegovy and diabetes drug Ozempic with support from the government’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme. This will follow the expiring of Novo Nordisk’s patent on semaglutide drugs in India by 2026. “Drugmakers globally are eager to tap into the weight-loss drug market, which is projected to reach $100bn by the decade’s end.”

Motsoaledi reappointed as Health Minister –

Dr Aaron Motsoaledi was reappointed as new Minister of Health in the Government of National Unity, with Joe Phaahla, as his deputy. Motsoaledi’s first became Minister of Health in May 2009.

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