Health Highlights: Key Developments in Global Healthcare

The latest global health news includes GE HealthCare's revenue dip due to China's anti-corruption measures, a profit rise for India's Aster DM Healthcare driven by flu season, and Altria's concern over illegal nicotine pouches in the U.S. Plus, WHO's polio warnings in Gaza, Teva's forecast boost, and GSK's vaccine sales disappointment.

GE HealthCare has revised its 2024 revenue growth forecast downward amid China's healthcare sector freeze due to anti-corruption efforts, causing a 10% stock drop. Since July, Beijing's crackdown on medical bribery has shaken the industry, impacting equipment sales and stock values.

In India, Aster DM Healthcare reported an 81.3% surge in first-quarter profit, attributed to increased hospital occupancy during the flu season. The company excluded a significant gain from the sale of its Gulf business in its profit report.

Altria, makers of Marlboro, alerted the U.S. FDA about the rise in illicit nicotine pouches, likening the situation to the illegal vape market. The cigarette industry faces declining sales amid the growth of unauthorized e-cigarettes, particularly disposables from China.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries has increased its annual forecast, citing strong demand for its generics and Huntington's disease drug. The company plans to release six biosimilars by 2027 to drive growth further.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the detection of polio in Gaza and urged quick preventative measures to protect children. The warning follows rising concerns amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Siemens Healthineers reported continued order delays in China, attributed to anti-corruption measures, impacting Q3 sales. The company remains optimistic about a market recovery by 2025.

Research published in Frontiers in Nutrition suggests that heavy metals in single servings of chocolate are generally low and not a health risk, although caution is advised with increased consumption or combined exposure to other heavy metal sources.

GSK saw a decline in its shares following lower-than-expected vaccine sales for shingles and RSV. CEO Emma Walmsley remains focused on infectious disease treatments as the company braces for potential revenue decreases from patent expiries.

Indonesia has raised the smoking age to 21 and imposed stricter cigarette advertising regulations to combat high smoking rates. The country is one of the largest tobacco producers, with a significant percentage of the population being smokers.

23andMe CEO Anne Wojcicki proposed buying out the company's remaining shares not owned by her, aiming to privatize the genetic testing firm with a $0.40 per share offer.

(With inputs from agencies.)