Health News Digest: Mpox Outbreak, Drug Cost Cap & More

A rapid spread of the mpox virus intensifies fiscal pressures in sub-Saharan Africa. Mundipharma's China unit sale faces setbacks. Biden’s drug cost cap promises savings for U.S. seniors. Listeria and Oropouche virus outbreaks reported by the CDC. New neurocrine drug shows promise in schizophrenia trials.

Health news highlights include the rising concerns over the rapid spread of the mpox virus in sub-Saharan Africa, with potential fiscal implications for the region, as reported by ratings agency Fitch. The WHO has declared this a global health emergency due to a new strain spreading from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In another major development, drugmaker Mundipharma International, owned by the Sackler family, has been unable to secure a buyer for its China unit for the second time this year. The company aimed to raise over $1 billion from the sale, according to sources.

U.S. seniors are set to benefit significantly from President Biden's new policy, which caps out-of-pocket prescription drug costs at $2,000 annually, beginning in 2025, saving over 1 million people more than $1,000 each annually.

(With inputs from agencies.)