AI plan to improve drug production
Pharmaceutical manufacturing in the US is the subject of another government-led programme aimed at ‘revolutionising’ domestic production. A new public-private partnership will link up with several US universities and companies to improve the manufacturing of essential drugs using technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and informatics.
Worm slime inspires new recyclable bioplastics
Slime ejected by a particular family of worms could inspire the next generation of recyclable bioplastics, according to Australian researchers.
US to ban eight synthetic food dyes
The US is to phase out some petroleum-based food dyes. In April 2025, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it would revoke authorisation for two synthetic food colourings over the coming months and work with industry to eliminate six others.
This synthetic lichen helps concrete heal its own cracks
US researchers have developed synthetic lichen that should allow concrete to heal cracks itself. The system is self-sustaining, which sets it apart from previous self-healing concrete studies using microbes, they say.
Bioethanol producers raise concerns about trade deal
In the midst of all the positive comments about the UK-US trade deal, one sector of the chemical industry has serious concerns – what about bioethanol?
High-performance laser helps create liquid carbon breakthrough
A high-performance laser developed by the UK’s Science and Technology Facilities Council Central Laser Facility has enabled scientists to create liquid carbon for the first time. The international research collaboration was led by the University of Rostock and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf.
Why novel modes of action boost returns on pharma R&D
After over a decade of declining returns on pharmaceutical R&D, there appears to be an ongoing positive improvement, according to a survey by consultant Deloitte. The positive trend is driven by a surge in high-value products entering the late-stage drug pipeline in areas of unmet need, like obesity and diabetes.
Chemicals supply chain: Why the outlook is mixed
The Chemical Business Association (CBA) has released results from its latest quarterly supply chain survey of manufacturers and distributors, as well as logistics companies from across the UK’s chemical supply chain. The Q1 2025 results indicate a slow start to the year in terms of growth, with less than a quarter (23%) of respondents reporting improvement in their order books.
Novel obesity and diabetes medicines drive increase in US prescription sales
Prescription drug sales in the US increased by 1.7% in 2024, reaching an equivalent of 215bn days of therapy, according to the latest report from IQVIA. The report, Understanding the use of medicines in the US 2025, shows novel obesity and diabetes treatments have been significant growth drivers, while other new medicines have seen uptakes by new patient populations.
Ukraine shares critical minerals with the US
Ukrainian lawmakers have voted to ratify a new partnership that gives the US access to profit from exploitation of new mineral projects; however, it may take a decade before rare earth production can start.