Articles tagged with Pharmaceutical Industry
Scientists at MIT and Brown University developed a microfluidic device to separate right-handed from left-handed bacteria, which can lead to safer pharmaceuticals. The discovery could also impact industries like agriculture and food production.
A group of influential medical leaders propose curbing conflict of interest by reducing industry funding and eliminating ties. They advocate for a goal of $0 contributions from industry, excepting revenues from journal advertisements and exhibit hall fees.
A new MIT study finds that modern manufacturing processes are significantly less efficient in terms of energy and materials use compared to traditional industries. The research highlights the alarming levels of energy consumption by newer processes like microchip production, which uses up orders of magnitude more energy than making man...
Scientists have identified six gene regions suitable for automated plant species identification, promising to aid in biodiversity protection and pharmaceutical discovery. A large-scale test is underway to validate these regions against a vast number of plants.
The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and Royal Colleges call on the UK government to strengthen the country's clinical research base, enabling patients to access life-enhancing treatments. The consensus statement emphasizes the need for stronger partnerships between industry, academia, and the NHS.
A new international public-private partnership aims to develop small molecule inhibitors for 25 proteins involved in epigenetic signalling. The project, led by the Structural Genomics Consortium, involves major pharmaceutical companies and academia.
The University of Copenhagen has received funding to establish a new center for pharmaceutical nanotechnology and nanotoxicology, aiming to optimize delivery systems and therapeutic benefits. The center will focus on rational design of nanotechnology materials and tools to improve therapeutic benefit-to-risk ratio.
Phycologists and algal biotechnologists in China are addressing pressing issues in algae research, including resource exhaustion and environmental impact. The country's largest seaweed cultivation industry has become a crucial driver of innovation and growth in the field.
A study published in PLoS Medicine calls for strengthened restrictions on off-label promotion by pharmaceutical companies, citing potential dangers to public health. The researchers argue that marketing of off-label uses is widespread and should be heavily fined to prioritize patient safety.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science's annual survey ranks top biopharma employers based on driving characteristics such as financial strength and research-driven environment. This year, Genentech regained top honors, followed by Monsanto and Genzyme in the top three.
Researchers at Penn State found that smaller grains require less force to initiate movement through sandy soils than larger ones. This discovery could lead to more efficient designs for power-line towers and industrial mixer blades in sandy environments.
A Virginia Tech researcher has developed a novel fermentation process using microalgae to produce omega-3 fatty acids from crude glycerol, a byproduct of the emerging biodiesel industry. The resulting algae biomass can be used as animal feed, mimicking a natural process where fish retain healthful compounds.
The Product Quality Lifecycle Implementation (PQLI) initiative aims to address pharmaceutical development, quality risk management, and pharmaceutical quality systems. The journal publishes high-quality papers on innovative research and applied technologies in the pharmaceutical industry.
The editorial highlights the manipulation of research data and clinical reviews by pharmaceutical companies, compromising public trust in medical science. To restore integrity, researchers, editors, and journals must implement measures such as trial registration, authorship criteria, and disclosure of financial conflicts of interest.
A study found that company employees and unacknowledged authors often wrote clinical trial articles and review papers on rofecoxib, while primary authors had little to do with the research. Guest authorship was common in review articles, but ghostwriting was also prevalent.
The pharmaceutical industry and academia are collaborating to increase the efficiency of drug discovery. Researchers believe that this cooperation will lead to the development of better drugs for a range of diseases at a lower cost. As a result, more people with rare or hard-to-treat diseases will have access to effective treatments.
Researchers estimate that preventing obesity could reduce healthcare costs for healthy individuals due to their longer lifespan and reduced risk of chronic diseases. The study found the opposite: obese individuals and smokers had lower lifetime healthcare costs compared to healthy non-smokers.
A new analysis found that US drug companies spent $57.5 billion on promotional activities in 2004, compared to $31.5 billion on industrial pharmaceutical research and development. The study confirms the public image of a marketing-driven industry and argues for transforming the industry towards more research and less promotion.
Katherine Freed, a Stevens Institute of Technology undergraduate, won first place in the International ISPE Undergraduate Poster Contest for her project on Impedance Mammography. Her design aims to improve mammographic screening in women under 40 who are not regularly screened.
Researchers developed two biochips, MetaChip and DataChip, to test chemical and drug compound toxicity on human cells and organs without animal testing. The combined chips provide efficient and accurate way to screen compounds for toxicity earlier in the discovery process.
The pharmaceutical industry has hijacked WHO's web-based public hearings to promote its own interests in research and development for neglected diseases and access to medicines. Patient advocacy groups have been found to receive funding from pharmaceutical companies, compromising their credibility.
The Science survey ranks top biopharma employers based on driving characteristics, with Boehringer Ingelheim leading the list. Genentech comes in second, followed by Amgen. The rankings are determined by an independent research firm commissioned by AAAS.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a fast and inexpensive method to detect palladium and platinum, reducing the time required for chemical analysis from days to just one hour. This breakthrough could streamline pharmaceutical production and mining processes, making these essential metals more accessible.
A global study has found that phosgene is present in all latitudes and its levels have decreased since previous studies. The gas plays a role in pharmaceuticals, herbicides, and synthetic materials, but its use is being reduced due to legal restrictions.
Research suggests that blue corn tortillas are healthier for diabetics and dieters, with a lower starch content and higher protein levels than white tortillas. This makes them a potential solution for managing metabolic syndrome.
Two new studies investigated patients' decisions regarding therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and glucosamine use for osteoarthritis, finding that most RA patients prefer to maintain their current treatment as long as their condition doesn't worsen. The studies also highlighted discrepancies in clinical trial results for glucosamine...
A miniature robot developed by Prof. Leo Joskowicz and his team enables precise targeting in neurosurgical procedures, reducing complications and improving patient outcomes. The system, which uses preoperative scans and real-time image guidance, has been recognized with a Kaye Innovation Award.
The new value-based payment scheme for NHS drugs aims to balance health benefits with industry profits. While it may increase overall spending, the system could incentivize companies to focus on cost-effective therapies.
Prescription data sale to marketing firms is linked to lower death rates among those with depression, a study of 1,226 older adults found. Fibromyalgia patients have a lower pain threshold than healthy individuals, according to a literature review.
Ronald Cape will receive the 2007 Biotechnology Heritage Award for his contributions to the growth of biotechnology. He was a pioneer in genetic engineering and helped launch the creation of the entire biotech industry.
Phillip A Sharp will receive the 2007 Winthrop-Sears Award for his groundbreaking work on RNA splicing, a discovery that has led to significant advances in understanding cancer and other diseases. The award recognizes Sharp's entrepreneurial spirit as well, including his role as cofounder of Biogen.
A study found that virtually all practicing physicians in the US have relationships with pharmaceutical manufacturers, often through food or prescription samples. The extent and nature of these relationships vary by practice type, specialty, and patient mix.
A study of pharmaceutical sales visits found that almost half led to doctors intending to increase gabapentin prescriptions. Nearly 40% of visits discussed off-label uses not approved by the FDA.
A comprehensive study by University of California, Davis researchers found organically grown kiwifruit contain more health-promoting factors than conventionally grown counterparts. This increases antioxidant activity and vitamin C levels, suggesting potential benefits for heart health.
A recent study found that laws requiring disclosure of pharmaceutical company payments to physicians do not provide easy access to payment information and are of limited quality. The study analyzed publicly available data in Vermont and Minnesota, revealing substantial numbers of payments over $100 made to physicians.
Researchers from UNC and Dana Farber Cancer Institute found that industry-funded breast cancer trials are more likely to have positive outcomes compared to non-pharmaceutical funded studies. The study also revealed significant differences in clinical trial design and outcome between industry-supported and non-industry studies.
Chinese scientists develop heat and irradiation treatment to decrease levels of 'Pen a 1' allergen in prawns, reducing reactive proteins that cause seafood allergies. This non-GMO method may provide an alternative to genetic manipulation, suitable for those wary of genetically modified foods.
A new technique using ozone preserves grapes while boosting healthy compounds, potentially leading to hypoallergenic wines. The method shows promise for reducing sulphite use in winemaking, which can cause allergic reactions and affect the flavor of wine.
Purdue University researchers have developed a new class of tiny sensors that can measure gas flow on the scale of micrometers and nanometers. These sensors could be used in environmental protection to measure the leakage of hydrocarbon fumes from fuel tanks and in pharmaceutical preservation to test packages for gas leaks.
A study of 44 industry-initiated trials found that ghost authorship was present in 33 trials, with statisticians being the most common ghost authors. This practice undermines scientific integrity and highlights the need for stricter guidelines to prevent it.
Research published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture reveals cloudy apple juice contains four times the concentration of polyphenols as clear varieties. Polyphenols have anti-cancer activity and can help prevent heart disease, supporting a healthier diet.
A new pesticide development with integrated sunscreen shields chemicals from UV light, increasing their effectiveness and reducing degradation. The technology has the potential to lower costs for farmers and minimize environmental impact.
Researchers apply slag to wheat growing in greenhouses, causing plants to grow spiky structures that repel rabbits, reducing grazing damage. The environmentally friendly method uses a plentiful byproduct of blast furnaces and could circumvent pesticide regulatory approval.
Researchers identify barriers and opportunities in treating mental illness, proposing a new paradigm for CNS drug development. The study highlights the need for more effective treatments with fewer side effects, focusing on treatments that act on multiple molecular targets.
Researchers develop an alternative to animal testing by tricking ticks into setting up home on faux-cow hides. This method measures leg tremblings of ticks to observe early signs of pesticide toxicity.
A study found that feeding babies alcoholic milk may protect against some food allergies. Kefir's friendly bacteria block the pathway involved in allergic responses, reducing IgE levels and activating cells responsible for histamine release. The research suggests kefir could be a promising tool in preventing allergies.
Five experts recommend Congressional action to address eight major problems, including inadequate funding and expertise. They propose five key changes to strengthen FDA's ability to assure public safety.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method to sort single-walled carbon nanotubes by their diameter and electronic structure, overcoming the problem of structural heterogeneity that has limited their widespread use. This method, which exploits subtle differences in buoyant densities, promises to enable the produ...
A US survey of obstetricians and gynecologists found that one in three doctors believe free drug samples impact their prescribing choices. More than half of respondents felt it was ethical to accept free samples or lucrative consultancy offers from pharmaceutical companies.
UCR researchers develop more stable carbene, a family of compounds used in pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals. The new molecule has a unique shape and size, potentially leading to even more powerful catalysts.
The UQ Centre for Integrated Preclinical Drug Development is developing new tools to streamline the preclinical trials process. This will improve productivity across the pharmaceuticals industry and address a blockage in the drug production pipeline.
Renowned clinicians call for collaborative effort to revive clinical pharmacology in the UK. The Lancet experts advocate for joint action by medical schools, government bodies, and industry partners to bolster this crucial field.
The Yale guidelines ban faculty from receiving gifts, meals, and free drug samples from industry, setting standards for financial conflict of interest disclosure in educational programs. The guidelines aim to promote an effective and ethical partnership between medical schools and pharmaceutical companies.
The University of Queensland is leading a world-first consortium to create an Australian Minerals Science Research Institute, funded by a $8.6 million ARC grant. The five-year research program will focus on sustainable mining and mineral processing, with potential applications in industries such as pharmaceuticals and food production.
Agnès Vignery, an expert in bone development, will conduct collaborative research at Pfizer's Global Research and Development. Her lab has developed a new technology to induce bone formation for fracture prevention, which is being refined in rodents for human translation.
University of Oregon chemist Jim Hutchison has developed a method to rapidly generate diverse libraries of functionalized gold particles with cores of 11 gold atoms. The new synthesis technique offers great promise for research and development at the nanoscale.
Researchers at Queen's University have developed switchable solvents that enhance chemical manufacturing processes while minimizing waste and emissions. This breakthrough enables more environmentally-friendly chemical production methods.
ERDITI, a collaboration between pharmaceutical companies and academic researchers, aims to repurpose 'abandoned' compounds for rare diseases. The initiative, launched by Alain Fischer, could lead to discoveries of effective treatments and profitable new drugs.
Research by industry faces no high standard, enabling pharmaceuticals, tobacco, and other industries to make claims harder to challenge than government-funded research. The current imbalance can be seen in the FDA's increasing scrutiny, with a focus on
Bioethicists who accept funding from pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries may be more likely to prescribe industry drugs, even if they believe it has no influence. Researchers argue that stronger measures are needed to ensure independence and credibility in bioethics scholarship.