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Sustainable chemical synthesis with platinum

Researchers have created a new catalyst that allows for more efficient and sustainable production of aromatic hydrocarbons using renewable sources like woody biomass. The catalyst reduces the need for high temperatures and pressures, minimizing energy costs and emissions.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Catalysis·DateApr 19, 2021

University research and the private sector

A University of Illinois study using neonatal pigs found that pectin at 0.2% in milk replacer was safe for infants, a breakthrough made possible by public-private partnerships. The research highlights the benefits of collaborations between universities and industry, enabling faster innovation and high-quality science.

Engineers use electricity to clean up toxic water

Researchers from the University of Sydney developed an electrochemical oxidation process to clean up complex wastewater containing toxic chemicals. The process transforms organic contaminants into harmless gases or minerals without requiring additional chemicals or severe operation conditions.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAlgal Research·DateJul 7, 2020

Live Biotherapeutic products -- a new regulatory approach for the safety assessment of a specific category of biological medicinal products

The article recommends a risk assessment roadmap for LBPs, proposing adapted guidelines for non-clinical programmes and First in Human clinical safety trials. The approach focuses on strain characterization, history of use, antibiotic resistance, and virulence testing to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations.

SourcePharmabiotic Research Institute (PRI)·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·DateJun 19, 2020

Lung cancer trials supported by drug industry stronger

A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that lung cancer clinical trials funded by the pharmaceutical industry demonstrate no more bias compared to studies funded by other sources. The analysis, led by Dr. Pedro Aguiar, assessed 477 studies and found that pharmaceutical-backed trials had stronger evidence, ev...

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateMar 25, 2020

Is it time to nationalize the drug industry?

Experts debate nationalizing the pharmaceutical sector to improve public health priorities, address extortionate pricing, and ensure patient access to new advanced drugs. Mariana Mazzucato and Henry Lishi Li propose a government-provided quality-assured medicine option that co-exists with private sector products.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 4, 2020

2019's new medicines

In 2019, the pharmaceutical industry approved 48 new medicines, including treatments for various cancers, sickle cell disease, and migraines. The majority of these drugs had novel mechanisms of action, such as antibody-drug conjugates and small interfering RNA.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 22, 2020

Industry funding of patient groups lacks governance and transparency

A systematic review of observational studies found that industry funding of patient groups is common, with estimates ranging from 20% to 83%. Few patient groups have formal policies governing corporate sponsorship, and financial transparency is inadequate. The researchers call for greater transparency in reporting industry funding and ...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 22, 2020

Predicting the year in chemistry

The American Chemical Society forecasts a year marked by environmental improvements, such as reducing plastic use and recycling. Regulatory actions are also expected, including updated chemical risk assessments and classification of PFAS as hazardous materials.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 15, 2020

How planets may form after dust sticks together

Researchers found that particles in microgravity develop strong electrical charges and stick together, forming large aggregates. This process helps explain how asteroids and planets form in outer space. The study also identifies new approaches for controlling fine particle aggregation in industrial processing.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Physics·DateDec 9, 2019

Key to rubustness of plants discovered

Researchers at Graz University of Technology and Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology have discovered the mechanism behind Apiose production, a key factor in plant robustness. The enzyme UAXS selectively catalyzes four reaction steps, enabling plants to build strength properties.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature Catalysis·DateNov 26, 2019

Researchers create first-ever 'map' of global labor flow

Researchers at Indiana University created the first global map of labor flow in collaboration with LinkedIn, revealing skills and industries in high demand across the U.S. and globally. The study also identified growing industries such as pharmaceuticals and oil and gas, while others like retail and telecommunications are declining.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 2, 2019

Many NHS partnerships with drug companies are out of public sight

An investigation by The BMJ found that many NHS trusts are keeping secret details of their partnerships with drug companies, despite official guidance for transparency. Joint working arrangements between the NHS and industry have spent over £7.5m on projects such as ADHD medication reviews and age-related macular degeneration treatments.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 27, 2019

Making xylitol and cellulose nanofibers from paper paste

Researchers at Kobe University have successfully produced xylitol and cellulose nanofibers from Kraft pulp using a modified yeast strain that displays enzymes on its cell surface. This breakthrough reduces the need for costly commercial enzymes, making the process more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly.

SourceKobe University·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateMar 19, 2019

US patient advocacy groups received majority of pharma donations in multi-country study

A new study found that US-based patient advocacy organizations received 74% of total contributions from the world's 10 largest pharmaceutical companies in 2016. The study highlights inconsistent reporting and disclosure across countries, impeding transparency of pharma contributions to patient advocacy groups.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 22, 2019

New study shows physician-targeted marketing is associated with increase in opioid overdose deaths

A new study found that increased marketing of opioid products to physicians is associated with higher opioid prescribing rates and elevated overdose deaths in the US. The research suggests that even low-value payments or subtle marketing tactics can influence physician prescribing patterns, leading to more overdose deaths.