A recent analysis commissioned by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) indicates that a potential 25% tariff on pharmaceutical imports into the United States could dramatically increase the cost of medications for American patients. The Ernst & Young report estimates that US drug costs could surge by nearly $51 billion annually. This could lead to a price increase…
Category: April 2025
-
Australia’s Crumbling Universal Healthcare: What’s Wrong?
From the idyllic coastal town of Streaky Bay, South Australia, a stark reality unfolds: Australia’s crumbling universal healthcare system, Medicare, is under immense strain. Once a source of national pride, the system now grapples with inadequate funding, critical staff shortages, and escalating costs. This leaves vulnerable populations without essential care. This situation exemplifies how Australia’s crumbling universal healthcare affects even…
-
Antibiotic Resistance Claims Lives of Premature Babies
South Africa is facing a critical public health crisis as antibiotic resistance increasingly undermines life-saving treatments, particularly for vulnerable infants. Experts say that antibiotic-resistant infections are now the leading cause of neonatal mortality in the country. This is especially true among premature babies who are prone to hospital-acquired infections. Antibiotic resistance claims lives needlessly, highlighting the severity of the crisis.…
-
HIV deaths in SA may be four times higher than reported
Concerns over the accuracy of South Africa’s official mortality statistics have been amplified by a recent South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) study. The study highlights the need to revisit HIV deaths in SA. This is given the potential discrepancies in reported data. The research suggests a dramatic undercounting of HIV-related deaths. These may be potentially four times higher than…
-
PEPFAR Funding Cuts Threaten South Africa’s Health
A concerning new study has highlighted the potentially catastrophic consequences for South Africa’s fight against HIV/AIDS. This could occur if the United States implements PEPFAR funding cuts. Additionally, the South African government does not significantly increase its investment. The research indicates that such a scenario by 2028 could lead to an alarming 65,000 additional AIDS-related deaths. There could also be…
-
Adcock Ingram’s Urizone Wins Trademark Battle
A South African court has ruled in favour of Adcock Ingram and Zambon SPA. It ordered Cipla Medpro to stop using the trademark Furizome for its urinary tract infection (UTI) medication. The court found Furizome to be confusingly similar to the established Urizone trademark, central to Adcock Ingram’s branding strategy. This led to a ruling based on trademark infringement and…
-
Aspen Pharmacare Manufacturing Dispute Shrouded in Mystery
ASPEN Pharmacare has issued a stark warning to investors. They are signalling a potential R2 billion plunge in core earnings for its 2025 financial year. This is due to the significant Aspen Pharmacare manufacturing dispute detailed this week. In a regulatory filing on Tuesday, Aspen alerted shareholders to emerging risks. It highlighted a “material contractual dispute” with an unnamed contract…
-
NHI Advertising Campaign Proceeds Despite HIV Funding Shortfall
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has confirmed that the Department of Health will proceed with its planned R65.9 million NHI advertising campaign. This decision comes despite facing a severe funding shortfall for critical HIV/AIDS programmes. The Minister cited the need to combat “irrational and negative propaganda” surrounding the NHI as the primary reason for continuing the campaign. HIV Funding Gap Sparks…
-
Lilly’s Orforglipron Shows Significant Weight Loss in Phase 3 Trial
Eli Lilly has announced promising results from a Phase 3 trial of its oral drug, orforglipron. The trial demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing weight and blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Significant Weight Loss and Blood Sugar Control with Orforglipron In the 40-week study, patients taking orforglipron lost up to 7.9% of their body weight (approximately 16…
-
Clicks Interim Results Driven by Loyalty and Digital Sales
JSE-listed Clicks Group has released its Clicks interim results for the six months ending February 2025. They report impressive resilience and strategic accomplishments in the health and beauty retail sector. The group noted a 13.2% rise in headline earnings per share (HEPS). Clicks credits its robust earnings performance to several crucial factors. These include significant market share growth in its…