Current Health Developments: Mergers, Virus Warnings, and Regulation Triumphs

Japan's Kirin Holdings has successfully acquired supplement maker Fancl, advancing its healthcare venture. Fitch warns that the mpox virus's spread in sub-Saharan Africa could increase fiscal pressures. In the US, a new regulation will cap annual drug costs for seniors, and a Listeria outbreak linked to deli meats has resulted in more deaths.

Japan's Kirin Holdings has clinched the acquisition of supplement maker Fancl, according to its new president. This move advances Kirin's pivot towards healthcare, overcoming rival bids from overseas funds. Financial regulations, however, delayed the finalization of the tender offer until September.

Ratings agency Fitch has warned that the rapid spread of the mpox virus in sub-Saharan Africa could exacerbate the region's existing fiscal pressures. Mpox was declared a global health emergency by the WHO after a new strain spread from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In the United States, a new regulation introduced as part of President Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act will cap prescription drug costs for seniors at $2,000 per year starting in 2025. This cap is expected to save over 1 million people more than $1,000 annually.

(With inputs from agencies.)