The Horizon 2020 projects RISK-HUNT3R and TOX-Free aim to develop animal-free strategies and tools for chemical risk assessment, combining in vitro and computational approaches. The projects will improve the accuracy and efficiency of safety assessments, enabling the development of sustainable alternatives.
A recent study by Portland State University researchers detected low levels of pharmaceuticals and personal care product chemicals in oysters along the Oregon and Washington coast. The concentrations were higher near wastewater sites, indicating a need to address the sources of these pollutants.
Gamma-cyclodextrin, a widely used compound in manufacturing, has been made more accessible and environmentally friendly through a new process using light-sensitive hydrazone. This process reduces energy consumption and cost, making the compound cheaper and more available for use in various consumer products.
Researchers at RUDN University developed an eco-friendly method to synthesize pyrrole and pyrazole derivatives, which exhibit fluorescent properties. The new process is safer, cheaper, and more efficient, generating a wide range of bioactive compounds with potential applications in medicine.
A research group at KAIST successfully produced seven natural rainbow colorants, including carotenoids and violacein derivatives, using engineered Escherichia coli strains. The strategies developed can be applied to the efficient production of other industrially important natural products.
A majority of Americans, including Democrats and Republicans, favor empowering the federal government to negotiate lower prescription drug prices under Medicare. The survey found that only a minority believe this would harm innovation or competition from the pharmaceutical industry, with 39% of Republicans among them.
Researchers at NUS have developed a method to increase the rate of ethylene hydrogenation by more than five times compared to typical industrial rates using oscillating electric potentials on commercial catalysts.
A national registry is needed to capture all pharma/medical device industry payments and benefits made to doctors, healthcare organisations, and patient support groups in the UK. The UK government has been dragging its feet on setting up such a system despite recommendations from key reviews.
Researchers at the University of Manchester used time-resolved 3D imaging to study the complex dynamics of particle movement in granular materials. The findings show that particle shape and orientation play a crucial role in segregation, with larger nuts like Brazil nuts rising to the top.
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.
Researchers developing standardized platform for organs-on-chips with human cells, aiming to test drugs and food outside a human body. The goal is to link multiple organ chips together to simulate a whole body, eliminating harmful or ineffective drugs earlier in the process.
A new electrochemical procedure produces sulfonamides rapidly and inexpensively using cheaper starting materials, electrical current, and safe solvents. The process eliminates three reaction stages, making it scalable and cost-effective.
A Purdue University team has created a cloud-based platform that helps manufacturers track material flows and supply network demand to optimize processes and reduce waste. The platform uses mechanistic models to update network structures for industrial interactions, enabling more accurate and reliable resource flow mapping.
Saarbruecken chemists create new class of germanium-based compounds with Ge=Ge bond stability for synthetic use in olefin metathesis. The method enables synthesis of long-chain polymers and holds promise for novel materials in organic electronics.
Chemists have developed a simplified three-step process for synthesizing spirocyclic tetrahydroisoquinolines, a key organic molecule in drug discovery. The new method significantly reduces the time and complexity of existing approaches, enabling more efficient creation of pharmaceutical compounds.
Researchers at KAIST develop novel biosynthetic pathways for short-chain primary amines through retrobiosynthesis, expanding the strategy for bio-based production of chemicals. The team successfully produced multiple short-chain primary amines using Escherichia coli strains and renewable resources.
Researchers have produced genetically modified tomatoes enriched in L-DOPA, a natural source for the essential medicine. The development offers benefits for people who suffer from adverse effects of chemically synthesized L-DOPA.
A UK-based company has secured funding to develop biodegradable alternatives to plastic microbeads used in various industries. The project will explore the use of cellulose microbeads as a carrier for enzymes in industrial chemical production, aiming to reduce ocean pollution.
The Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization program awarded Wayne State researchers $270,000 to develop transformative innovation projects in AI, AR, and intelligent automation. The funding will support projects led by Jeremy Rickli, Ming Dong, and Arash Javanbakht, aiming to bring disruptive solutions to the market.
Harshita Kumari, a UC pharmacy faculty member, has received a research grant to study the properties of eco-friendly surfactants. The project aims to characterize these molecules in terms of their sustainability and environmental safety compared to leading benchmark products.
Researchers at TalTech have created a mechanochemical synthesis method that produces chemicals faster and with fewer environmental impacts. The technique replaces solvent-based processes, reducing toxic waste and speeding up production time.
The UC Davis Cultivated Meat Consortium aims to develop stable stem cell lines, plant-based media, and assess nutritional value of cultivated meat products. The project also seeks to address technical and economic hurdles for sustainable cultivation.
A new study suggests that a 56% increase in alcohol-industry funded research into the impacts of alcohol consumption since 2009 is a cause for concern. The researchers found nearly 13,500 studies directly or indirectly funded by the industry, with many making claims about the health benefits of alcohol.
A new study finds a significant surge in health sector lobbying activity, especially within the pharmaceutical industry, following the allocation of massive COVID-19 relief funds. The research reveals that health sector lobbying spending increased by over 10% and new lobbyist registrations jumped by 140%.
A WVU professor is researching environmental factors that lead to THC accumulation in industrial hemp, a key issue for growers. He aims to develop a new crop system and genetically modify the plant to reduce THC production.
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.
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.
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.
A study found that up to 80% of US medical doctors leading influential professional associations had financial relationships with industry. The largest payments flowed to leaders of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American College of Cardiology. Researchers call for policy reform and greater independence from industry.
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...
A recent study highlights large gaps in the cannabis genome, with less than 50% accurately mapped and 10-25% unmapped. The research aims to develop a molecular breeding program for cannabis comparable to other crops, with potential applications in human and animal health.
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.
The pharmaceutical and health product industry spent approximately $3.8 billion on lobbying and campaign contributions in the US from 1999 to 2018. This observational study used federal- and state-level data to track the industry's spending over two decades.
The new approach makes the screening process hundreds of times faster and accelerates solvent retrieval. It can determine a solvent's efficiency in as little as three minutes using image processing, running multiple samples simultaneously.
A team of European scientists developed a micro-particle size analyser using AI and consumer electronics. The device measures particle size with precision comparable to commercial light-based analysers, but is much smaller, lighter, and cheaper.
A new method using bubble-attracting sheets of specially textured mesh can significantly reduce or eliminate foamy bubbles in industrial processes. The system works by attracting and shedding bubbles, allowing them to dissipate quickly and reducing the need for chemical additives.
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.
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 ...
University of Seville researchers successfully printed a 3D image using stabilised gold nanoparticles and biodegradable polymer systems. This breakthrough has significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the development of personalized biosensors.
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.
Researchers have developed a method to produce astaxanthin, a natural antioxidant, in a faster and more efficient way than previous methods. The new process uses the fast-growing marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC7002 as a host and requires only water, light, and CO2 to produce the valuable substance.
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.
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.
A new analysis finds that large drug manufacturers would still be the most profitable industry sector even with $1 trillion in lower sales. This is despite the pharmaceutical industry having among the highest profit margins and returns of any industry group. The researchers found that large drug companies could lose significant revenue...
Dr. Martha A. Brumfield, a renowned leader in pharmaceutical development and regulatory science, has been awarded the Jon W. McGarity Arizona Bioscience Leader of the Year honor. Her contributions to accelerating medical product development and building collaborative solutions have significantly benefited patients and their families.
A recent study demonstrates the use of Generative Tensorial Reinforcement Learning (GENTRL) to design and validate a novel drug candidate against fibrosis and cancer. The AI process accelerated the development from 46 days, reducing the time estimate by approximately 94%.
The project, 'Accelerated Innovation in Manufacturing Biologics (AIM-Bio)', aims to develop new manufacturing processes and train a generation of scientists and engineers. NC State will collaborate with DTU to establish nine research projects focusing on technologies critical to biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
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.
A commentary by UCSF experts highlights the need for radical reform in addressing dental decay, citing the sugar industry's influence on dental research and professional bodies. The authors recommend policies to manage financial conflicts of interest and promote public trust.
Researchers at Insilico Medicine have developed a new molecular descriptor, MCE-18, which estimates molecular complexity and defines the evolution of small molecules in medicinal chemistry. The study reveals that modern drug development is becoming more qualitative and smarter, with higher degrees of 3D complexity.
A recent analysis found that the UK drug industry donated over £57 million to patient organisations between 2012 and 2016. The majority of this funding was directed towards commercially high-profile conditions such as cancer and diabetes, with companies prioritising public involvement, research engagement, and advocacy.
Researchers developed a new fluorescence-based test for Lewis acidity, simplifying existing methods and providing accurate measurements. The innovation could lead to improved and cheaper processes in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
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.
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.
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.
A NYU Tandon team has designed a novel reactor that uses solar energy and plant waste to produce adiponitrile, a precursor material for Nylon production. The technology employs organic electrosynthesis, which can be generated via renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.
Certara has published four peer-reviewed papers on MIPD, outlining the vision and practical path for making individualized dosing a reality. MIPD uses computer modeling to predict optimal drug doses for patients based on their unique characteristics, especially those in vulnerable populations.
Scientists are creating new receptor-molecules and nanostructures to detect and destroy industrial pollutants like pesticides, herbicides, and pharmaceuticals. The goal is to develop a more effective technology for cleaning the environment, addressing a major issue due to the 'chiral' nature of these pollutants.
A study found that increased opioid marketing to physicians was associated with higher prescribing rates and subsequent overdose deaths. The analysis, which analyzed industry marketing data and national opioid prescribing and death data, reported $40 million in targeted marketing efforts across over 2,200 counties.
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.