As drug companies fret over their finances, they are increasingly partnering with universities to help with early-stage research
2024-10-07 - 2024-12
Pharmaceutical companies are often lambasted for rising drug costs. For example, the price of new drugs entering the US market in 2023 was 35% higher than in 2022. According to an analysis from Reuters, part of the increase is due to a move to develop therapies for rare diseases: because fewer people have those condition, drug makers push up the per-dose price to recover their costs. But the cost of developing drugs for more common diseases, including cancers, is also rising rapidly.
AstraZeneca's £450 Million Vaccine Facility Faces Delays
2025-01-20 - 2025-01
AstraZeneca's planned £450 million investment in a new flu vaccine facility in Speke, Liverpool, has encountered setbacks due to delays in securing government support. Despite urgent warnings from the UK chairman to Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds after Labour's election victory, early assurances regarding the government's advanced manufacturing plan were not provided promptly. Consequently, the project's timelines were affected, necessitating reworking to meet tight launch projections. The delays have led to frustration with the Whitehall process. The company had been seeking incentives and support to proceed with the investment. With AstraZeneca's significant contribution to the UK's life sciences sector and economy—being the largest private sector investor in UK R&D and employing around 8,700 people—the delays have put pressure on the government to secure private sector investment for economic growth. The government asserts its commitment to supporting innovative medicine development and is in active discussions with AstraZeneca.
AI and Large Language Models Transforming Pharma
2025-01-05 - 2025-01
A recent study highlights the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) in the pharmaceutical industry. AI applications span various operational areas, including research and development, clinical trials, production, regulatory affairs, and quality control. Machine learning algorithms, in particular, are contributing to advancements in drug discovery and development, offering promising avenues for innovation and efficiency.
