Antitrust regulators in the US, Europe and elsewhere say they will now collaborate on how to best assess pharmaceutical mergers, in a move that could restrict deals on grounds they excessively raise prices paid by consumers or dampen medical innovation. 

South African’s Aspen Pharmacare has published first-half financials results that match a recent trading update, following a major reshaping. The new-look firm says it has “spent a long time building and a long time justifying building.”

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.