Health News Roundup: India orders new drug-making standards after overseas deaths; Late M&A bonanza stokes healthcare dealmakers ahead of JPMorgan conference and more

The four-day JPMorgan Healthcare Conference beginning on Monday is expected by organizers to attract over 8,000 people, including delegations from the world’s largest drugmakers, a signal of a return to business as usual after fewer participants were invited last year over COVID-19 concerns.

Following is a summary of current health news briefs.

India orders new drug-making standards after overseas deaths

Indian pharmaceutical companies must meet new manufacturing standards this year, according to a government notification released on Saturday, although small companies have asked for a delay, citing their debt load. Jolted by a string of overseas deaths linked to Indian-made drugs since 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has stepped up scrutiny of pharmaceutical factories to clean up the image of the $50 billion industry.

Saudi Arabia's Avalon Pharma plans IPO on main market

Saudi pharmaceutical manufacturer Middle East Pharmaceutical Industries Company, known as Avalon Pharma, on Sunday said it would sell shares on the Saudi Exchange's Main Market through an initial public offering (IPO). The company has received approval to offer six million shares, or 30% of its issued share capital, with final pricing to be determined following a Jan. 14-18 book-building period, a company statement said.

Late M&A bonanza stokes healthcare dealmakers ahead of JPMorgan conference

Healthcare dealmakers are making their way to San Francisco for a major industry conference, optimistic that more deals are in the offing after a wave of biotech company takeovers at the end of last year. The four-day JPMorgan Healthcare Conference beginning on Monday is expected by organizers to attract over 8,000 people, including delegations from the world's largest drugmakers, a signal of a return to business as usual after fewer participants were invited last year over COVID-19 concerns.