Breaking Health News: Pharmaceutical Developments and Global Challenges

Recent health news highlights financial and strategic developments in major pharmaceutical companies like Gilead and Merck, public health concerns such as rising measles cases in Texas, and regulatory challenges affecting drug safety and costs in the U.S. Additionally, international relations impact research collaborations amid changing data protection laws.

In recent developments within the health sector, pharmaceutical giant Gilead Sciences reported a stable first-quarter profit with robust sales in HIV and liver disease drugs, offsetting a decline in cancer drug sales. The company's shares dipped approximately 3% in after-hours trading.

Meanwhile, Germany's Merck KGaA is engaged in advanced talks to purchase U.S.-based SpringWorks Therapeutics for $3.5 billion, potentially expanding their portfolio with a newly approved rare disease treatment and various cancer drugs. Discussions are centered around a price-per-share of $47.

The U.S. faces a public health challenge with a reported rise in measles cases in Texas, amounting to 646, as the CDC confirms three deaths from the highly contagious disease. This occurs amidst ongoing legal and regulatory issues affecting the pharmaceutical and healthcare landscape both domestically and internationally.

(With inputs from agencies.)