APRIL JUNE 20248 CHEMICAL INDUSTRY REVIEWIN MY OPINIONSignificant changes have taken place in the life sciences industry over the past few years. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the U.S. government has urged biotech and pharmaceutical companies to increase domestic production in order to secure the drug supply chain and reduce our reliance on foreign organizations. Ultimately, this will ensure that patients get the medicines they need without delay. This effort, however, can be costly and time-consuming for U.S. manufacturers. Recent positive trends in biotech funding and continued innovation will be the keys to success.Funding ChallengesWhile funding was scarce for non-Covid drug studies during the pandemic, the good news is that Q1 of 2024 is showing positive signs that funding for early phase studies may be starting to stabilize, and there appears to be increasing interest in funding for biologics and small molecules. It seems Phase I studies are now on the rise, emphasizing the need for economical manufacturing at all scales, including small scale production of orphan drugs and rare diseases, for example. This is particularly relevant as regulatory agencies tighten restrictions around keeping production in the United States. Drug companies certainly face cost pressures, and production in the U.S. must make financial sense for it to be espoused. Continuous flow technology is a large part of meeting that demand as it provides significant benefits for cost, as well as quality and safety.Continuous Flow TechnologyAt Curia, we have over 25 years of experience in continuous flow, which has ramped up considerably due to increased market interest. From discovery all the way through manufacturing, continuous flow is faster and far more efficient. Quality is managed at each stage of production with automated controls and in-line monitoring so that parameters may be quickly adjusted and out-of-spec product removed while running. Catching defective product early equates to improved quality, less waste, reduced energy consumption, and lower production costs. The diligent monitoring also simplifies regulatory compliance. TRENDS AND CHALLENGES IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRYBy Christopher Conway, President, CuriaAI is a game-changer in the industry, with the potential to change the way we do research all the way from discovery through manufacturing
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