Aspen expects to report significant growth in its continuing operations for the first half of its financial year, following deals with Sandoz and Viatris that have seen the South African firm divest major businesses in Japan and Europe.

Viatris' 2021 financial guidance was below investor expectations, suggesting a challenging road ahead for the newly formed company.

Commitments offered by Aspen Pharmacare last year to settle price-gouging allegations over six oncology drugs have been accepted by the European Commission.

Fresh from announcing the €642m ($762m) divestment of its Thrombosis business in Europe to Mylan, Aspen Pharmacare management walked investors through its full-year earnings, explaining in detail the company’s ambitions to focus on emerging markets.