Search Results (33)

As global sustainable development progresses and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) gain increasing prominence, pharmaceutical manufacturing firms face mounting challenges in implementing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices; these include high environmental compliance costs, limited drug accessibility, and governance inefficiencies. Patient capital, characterized by long investment horizons and high tolerance for risk, is well aligned with the long-term nature of ESG-oriented activities in this industry. Using a sample of pharmaceutical manufacturing companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share markets from 2015 to 2024, this study systematically examines the impact of patient capital on corporate ESG performance and explores the underlying mechanisms. The empirical results show that patient capital significantly improves ESG performance among pharmaceutical manufacturing firms. These findings remain robust across a series of robustness checks, including alternative variable measurements, sample adjustments, propensity score matching, instrumental variable estimation, and changes in the sample period. Further analysis reveals that patient capital enhances ESG performance through two primary channels: alleviating financing constraints and increasing R&D investment intensity. By focusing on the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, this study extends the literature on patient capital to a highly regulated and socially sensitive sector, providing empirical evidence on how long-term, value-oriented capital can support sustainable development and improve ESG performance in industries with strong public welfare attributes. Full article

Emerging and re-emerging viruses continue to pose major threats to public health. Their ability to adapt, cross species barriers, and spread rapidly can trigger severe outbreaks or even pandemics. Strengthening preparedness with comprehensive and efficient strategies is therefore essential. Here, we explore the key components of viral outbreak preparedness, including surveillance systems, diagnostic capacity, prevention and control measures, non-pharmaceutical interventions, antiviral therapeutics, and research and development. We emphasize the increasing importance of genomic surveillance, wastewater-based surveillance, real-time data sharing, and the One Health approach to better anticipate zoonotic spillovers. Current challenges and future directions are also discussed. Effective preparedness requires transparent risk communication and equitable access to diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted both the promise of next-generation vaccine platforms and the necessity of maintaining diagnostic capacity, as early testing delays hindered containment efforts. Countries adopted various non-pharmaceutical interventions: risk communication and social distancing proved to be the most effective, while combined workplace infection-prevention measures outperformed single strategies. These experiences highlight the importance of early detection, rapid response, and multisectoral collaboration in mitigating the impact of viral outbreaks. By applying best practices and lessons learned from recent events, global health systems can strengthen resilience and improve readiness for future viral threats. Full article

Pleurotus ostreatus is valued for its nutritional, medicinal, economic, and ecological benefits and is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and environmental protection industries. Pleurotus ostreatus, as a highly perishable edible fungus, faces significant challenges in supply chain quality control and food safety due to its short shelf life. As consumer demand for food freshness and full traceability increases, there is an urgent need to establish a reliable traceability system that enables real-time monitoring, spoilage prevention, and quality assurance. This study focuses on the Pleurotus ostreatus supply chain and designs and implements a multi-role flexible traceability system that integrates blockchain and the Internet of Things. The system collects key production and storage environment parameters in real time through sensor networks and enhances data accuracy and robustness using an improved adaptive weighted fusion algorithm, enabling precise monitoring of the growth environment and quality risks. The system adopts a “link-chain” mapping mechanism for multi-chain storage and dynamic reorganization of business processes. It incorporates attribute-based encryption strategies and smart contracts to support tiered data access and secure sharing among multiple parties. Key information is stored on the blockchain to prevent tampering, while auxiliary data is stored in off-chain databases and the Interplanetary File System to ensure efficient and verifiable data queries. Deployed at Shandong Qihe Ecological Agriculture Co., Ltd., No. 517, Xilou Village, Kunlun Town, Zichuan District, 255000, Zibo City, Shandong Province, China, the system covers 12 cultivation units and 60 sensor nodes, recording over 50,000 traceable data points. Experimental results demonstrate that the system outperforms baseline methods in query latency, data consistency, and environmental monitoring accuracy. The improved fusion algorithm reduced the total variance of environmental data by 20%. In practical application, the system reduced the spoilage rate of Pleurotus ostreatus by approximately 12.3% and increased the quality inspection pass rate by approximately 15.4%, significantly enhancing the supply chain’s quality control and food safety capabilities. The results show that the framework is feasible and scalable in terms of information credibility and operational efficiency and significantly improves food quality and safety monitoring throughout the production, storage, and distribution of Pleurotus ostreatus. This study provides a viable technological path for spoilage prevention, quality tracking, and digital food safety supervision, offering valuable insights for both food science research and practical applications. Full article

Pharmaceuticals such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, and mianserin occur in aquatic environments at low yet persistent concentrations due to their incomplete removal in wastewater treatment plants. Although frequently detected, these neuroactive compounds remain underrepresented in ecotoxicological assessments. Given their pharmacodynamic potency, environmentally relevant concentrations may induce sublethal effects in non-target organisms. In this study, we applied untargeted LC-MS-based metabolomics to investigate the sublethal effects of four widely used antidepressants—paroxetine, sertraline, fluoxetine (SSRIs), and mianserin (TeCA)—on two ecologically relevant freshwater invertebrates: S. ambiguum and D. magna. Organisms were individually exposed to each compound for 48 h at a concentration of 100 µg/L and 25 µg/L, respectively. Untargeted metabolomics captured the sublethal biochemical effects of these antidepressants, revealing both shared disruptions—e.g., in glycerophospholipid metabolism and cysteine and methionine metabolism—and species-specific responses. More pronounced pathway changes observed in D. magna suggest interspecies differences in metabolic capacity or xenobiotic processing mechanisms between taxa. Among the four antidepressants tested, sertraline in D. magna and fluoxetine in S. ambiguum exerted the most extensive metabolomic perturbations, as evidenced by the highest number and pathway impact scores. In D. magna, fluoxetine and mianserin produced similar metabolic profiles, largely overlapping with those of sertraline, whereas paroxetine affected only a single pathway, indicating minimal impact. In S. ambiguum, paroxetine and mianserin elicited comparable responses, also overlapping with those of fluoxetine, while sertraline triggered the fewest changes. These results suggest both compound-specific effects and a conserved metabolic response pattern among the antidepressants used. They also underscore the considerable potential of metabolomics as a powerful and sensitive tool for ecotoxicological risk assessments, particularly when applied across multiple model organisms to capture interspecies variations. However, further research is essential to identify which specific pathway disruptions are most predictive of adverse effects on organismal health. Full article

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a global issue, with increasing incidence and prevalence as the world’s population ages and life expectancy increases. Projections indicate that by 2050, over 150 million individuals worldwide will be personally living with AD, an impending crisis made worse by the absence of cure therapies. Moreover, the risk factor relationship of dementia with rising global temperatures and air pollution further necessitates the urgency of a coordinated international response. With an extensive economic and emotional burden, AD is no longer just a disease; it is a worldwide societal crisis. This review presents five calls to action to address the AD global health emergency. First, AD research must be approached as an internationally performed activity, involving standardized data sharing, collaborative innovation, and improved access to pharmaceutical studies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), alongside increased diversity, inclusion, and equity in research. Second, there must be a commitment to develop universally accessible, affordable, and non-invasive diagnostic tools for AD. Third, advancements in AD therapeutics should prioritize the development of affordable agents, allowing for widespread geographic distribution. Fourth, we identify focus areas for global dementia risk reduction: sleep, head injury prevention, exercise, learning, and diet (SHIELD risk reduction strategy). Fifth, improving care for individuals with AD requires eliminating stigma through educational programs for both the public and caregivers. The escalating AD crisis demands an unprecedented global coalition in research, diagnostics, therapeutics, prevention, and education to avoid a future where the disease becomes the defining crisis of our era. Full article

Background: Pharmaceutical expenditures serve as key indicators of healthcare system efficiency, innovation, and sustainability. South Korea has implemented policies such as the economic evaluation exemption (EEE) and risk-sharing agreements (RSAs) to balance cost control and access to innovative therapies. However, discrepancies persist in the distribution of expenditures across therapeutic areas, raising concerns about alignment with public health needs. Methods: This retrospective observational study analyzed pharmaceutical expenditures in South Korea from 2007 to 2022, focusing on new chemical entities (NCEs). Data sources included the IQVIA MIDAS Global Database, the WHO Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database, and South Korea’s national health insurance records. Expenditure patterns were benchmarked against OECD and A8 countries using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and other healthcare metrics to assess the relationship between spending and disease burden. Results: By 2022, South Korea had introduced 276 NCEs, demonstrating progress, but still lagging the OECD average. NCE expenditure increased from 10.0% to 16.0% of total pharmaceutical spending between 2017 and 2022, whereas A8 countries’ share rose from 26.2% to 48.1%. While oncology expenditures were proportionate to disease burden, spending on chronic diseases such as musculoskeletal and cardiovascular conditions remained relatively low compared to their DALY contributions. Conclusions: Although South Korea has strengthened its investment in pharmaceutical innovation, disparities in expenditure distribution persist. Refining policies to enhance resource allocation for chronic diseases and expanding the RSA framework beyond oncology could improve equity and sustainability. Adopting international best practices—such as indication-based pricing and funding mechanisms for high-cost therapies—may further support optimal pharmaceutical expenditure management. Full article

Background: Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a major contributor to hearing impairment, yet effective therapeutic options remain elusive. Mendelian randomization (MR) has proven valuable for drug repurposing and identifying new therapeutic targets. This study aims to pinpoint novel treatment targets for SNHL, exploring their pathophysiological roles and potential adverse effects. Methods: This research utilized the UKB-PPP database to access cis-protein quantitative trait locus (cis-pQTL) data, with SNHL data sourced from the FinnGen database as the endpoint for the MR causal analysis of drug targets. Colocalization analysis was employed to determine whether SNHL risk and protein expression share common SNPs. A phenotype-wide association analysis was conducted to assess the potential side effects of these targets. Drug prediction and molecular docking were subsequently used to evaluate the therapeutic potential of the identified targets. Results: Four drug target proteins significantly associated with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) were determined by Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis and co-localization analysis. These drug targets include LATS1, TEF, LMNB2, and OGFR and were shown to have fewer potential side effects when acting on these target proteins by phenotype-wide association analysis. Genes associated with sensorineural hearing loss are primarily implicated in the Hippo signaling pathway, cell–cell adhesion, and various binding regulatory activities and are involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Next, drugs for the treatment of SNHL were screened by the DsigDB database and molecular docking, and the top 10 drugs were selected based on p-value. Among them, atrazine CTD 00005450 was identified as the most likely therapeutic target, followed by ampyrone HL60 DOWN and genistein CTD 00007324. In addition, LMNB2, LATS1, and OGFR could be intervened in by multiple drugs; however, fewer drugs intervened in TEF. Conclusion: This study has successfully identified four promising drug targets for SNHL, which are likely to be effective in clinical trials with minimal side effects. These findings could significantly streamline drug development for SNHL, potentially reducing the costs and time associated with pharmaceutical research and development. Full article

Many countries ban direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) of prescription drugs due to potential health and financial risks. However, the internet and social media now offer new ways for pharmaceutical companies to share information and promote products. Covert marketing—indirectly promoting products through news media—has emerged as an alternative. This study explores the digital news landscape for prescription drugs in Latin America, a region that prohibits DTCA. Through content analysis, it examines prescription drug coverage in both traditional and digital news media published between 1 January 2017 and 1 January 2019, as well as its spread via social media platforms in the region’s six largest economies. The findings show that over 62% of news posts lacked neutrality, with articles on new treatments 74% less likely to be neutral, 64% less likely to mention adverse effects, and over eight times more likely to be promotional. Brazilian news had the highest social media sharing rate, with an emphasis on regulatory topics. Overall, digital news in Latin America leans toward promotional content rather than balanced reporting on drug risks and benefits. To support responsible journalism and reduce corporate influence, stronger pharmacovigilance and adherence to professional guidelines prioritizing accuracy, independence, and integrity are needed. Full article

The broad range of applications offered by synthetic biology and bioengineering has revolutionized the ability to design and redesign microorganisms to express specific functions, overcoming the limitations of natural biological systems. This advancement has been achieved through the use of mathematical models and genetic circuits, enabling the precise design of synthetic microbial communities. These are defined as artificially created communities through co-cultures of selected species that share similar characteristics and environments. Reprogramming an organism is carried out by inserting synthetic genetic circuits, which are designed in a controlled manner to obtain biotechnological products beneficial to humans, their health, and the environment. The potential applications in medicine, bioremediation, industry, and pharmaceuticals make the research of synthetic microbial communities a promising field for the future. However, the implementation of synthetic microbial communities carries potential risks, such as horizontal gene transfer and possible environmental impacts. It is crucial to carefully evaluate these functions and risks, considering biocontainment and the associated ethical and ecological implications. Full article

Investigating the significant “roles” within financial complex networks and their stability is of great importance for preventing financial risks. On one hand, this paper initially constructs a complex network model of the stock market based on mutual information theory and threshold methods, combined with the closing price returns of stocks. It then analyzes the basic topological characteristics of this network and examines its stability under random and targeted attacks by varying the threshold values. On the other hand, using systemic risk entropy as a metric to quantify the stability of the stock market, this paper validates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as a widespread, unexpected event on network stability. The research results indicate that this complex network exhibits small-world characteristics but cannot be strictly classified as a scale-free network. In this network, key roles are played by the industrial sector, media and information services, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, transportation, and utilities. Upon reducing the threshold, the network’s resilience to random attacks is correspondingly strengthened. Dynamically, from 2000 to 2022, systemic risk in significant industrial share markets significantly increased. From a static perspective, the period around 2019, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, experienced the most drastic fluctuations. Compared to the year 2000, systemic risk entropy in 2022 increased nearly sixtyfold, further indicating an increasing instability within this complex network. Full article

The aim of this study is to analyze the risk factors that lead to cognitive impairment, depression, and psychosocial problems in type 2 diabetes and discern what aspects they have in common. Type 2 diabetes is associated with a higher risk of cognitive impairment, including dementia, which in turn increases the risk of hospitalization, falls, and premature mortality. In this study, we conducted a systematic review to achieve this goal, including searches on electronic databases such as PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, EBSCO Discovery, EBSCO host, Scopus, and ScienceDirect, from 2016 onwards. Additionally, we carried out manual searches in leading journals in the field. After evaluating and analyzing the articles, 60 remained, focusing on the following four main themes: disorders due to biological, psychological, social, and pharmacological causes that lead to neuropsychological complications. Based on the results, consistently analogous risk factors contributing to the onset of cognitive impairments, depression, and psychosocial predicaments encompass comorbid ailments, dysglycemia, gender, heightened levels of apprehension and anxiety, educational attainment, socio-economic standing, and pharmaceutical interventions. Furthermore, in the realm of type 2 diabetes, factors such as disease duration, adiposity, specifically overweight and obesity, and advancing age were also identified as significant contributors to cognitive impairments and depression. Concomitantly, the absence of a robust support system and social network emerged as a shared risk factor, predisposing individuals to psychosocial challenges and depressive states. These findings emphasize that the risk factors for cognitive impairments, depression, and psychosocial issues for type 2 diabetes are similar, highlighting the importance of psychosocial support, education, and patient-centered treatment to optimize outcomes and quality of life. Full article

Managed Entry Agreements (MEAs) play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges arising from escalating prices of innovative medical technologies, especially in areas like oncology, immunology, and rare diseases. Among MEAs, Performance-Based MEAs (PB MEAs) and Outcome-Based MEAs (OB MEAs) stand out as innovative strategies. This study examines the adoption of PB MEAs in the Czech Republic post a 2022 legislative change. Interviews with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, pharmaceutical companies, insurers, and patient groups, were conducted to explore perceptions and challenges. Stakeholders expressed concerns about legislation completeness, data quality, transparency, and methodology. Interestingly, pharmaceutical companies were less concerned about transparency and methodology, likely due to their multinational experience. Despite legislative progress, challenges persist, especially in data infrastructure, risk-sharing perceptions, and stakeholder readiness. Addressing these issues requires collaboration between pharmaceutical companies and payers. Patient involvement, though mandated, remains limited, potentially due to a lack of awareness. This study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive transformation beyond legislation for a successful PB MEA implementation. Trust, technical infrastructure, and data availability are crucial, necessitating a holistic approach. It contributes to the global discourse on PB MEAs, stressing the adjustment of financial frameworks, embracing value-based healthcare principles, and ensuring high-quality health data metrics. A more holistic, value-based MEA approach could reshape pharmaceutical reimbursement in the future. Full article

Process industry renovation is mostly driven by business objectives like productivity enhancement and cost reduction, which hinder the “shift towards a sustainable manufacturing” called by political and academic institutions. In this paper, the project management methodology of Value Engineering, used for cost reduction in large capital projects, is extended to improve not only economic figures, but also environmental sustainability indicators. The methods can guide project design to reduce the consumption of natural resources and the generation of waste, closing a gap between sustainability targets and production needs. Sustainability metrics derived from a simplified life cycle assessment approach are used to achieve quick but reliable estimates of the environmental impact reductions against a base scenario. The project governance is thus supported when assessing potential trade-offs between environmental and economic advantage, encouraging shared and de-risked decisions. Even though limited by the project boundaries of time and budget and by the simplified impact assessment approach, the method promotes a lean and incremental implementation of sustainable manufacturing practices, applicable also to routinary interventions. The methodology is illustrated through application examples from a real case study, an EUR 100 M chemical plant expansion project for a pharmaceutical company in Italy. Full article

Introduction: New procedures and diagnostic tests in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are associated with a significant increase in costs. The last cost estimate of allogeneic HSCT done in Tunisia was in 1996 and concerned only direct medical costs. Therefore, an updated cost analysis is needed. Objective: Analysis of direct costs during the first-year post-allogeneic HSCT in two groups of patients: Bone Marrow Transplant (Allo-BMT) and Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplant (Allo-PBSCT) and identification of factors leading to interindividual variations in costs in order to compare these costs with the budget allocated by the payer (CNAM). Methods: Pharmacoeconomic retrospective study, concerning patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT in 2013. Clinical and unit cost data were obtained from medical and administration records. Results: This study showed that the average direct cost of allogeneic HSCT in the population during the first year reached 56 638€. The average cost of Allo-BMT was 63 612€, and Allo-PBSCT was 45 966€ (p > 0.05). The initial hospitalization counted for 88% of total direct cost with an average cost of 41 441€ in Allo-BMT and 24 672€ in Allo-PBSCT (p < 0.05). Direct medical costs represented more than 70% of total direct costs, drugs, and laboratory tests occupied the largest share. Antifungals, antitumors, and antiviral drugs were the most expensive pharmaceutical classes with a mean cost, respectively, of 4 526€; 3 737€ and 3 268€. Some clinical criteria were significantly related to total direct costs like length of aplasia (p < 0.01) and GVHD (p < 0.05). However, the type of blood disease, its risk, length of mucositis, and the treatment protocol have no effect on the costs for all allogeneic patients. Conclusion: Our results showed that the costs of Allo HSCT have exceeded by far the budget allocated by the CNAM to the center, since the 90s to this day. That’s why the total reimbursement mechanism should be revised. Full article

As with every new technology, safety demonstration is a critical component of bringing products to market and gaining public acceptance for cultured meat and seafood. This manuscript develops research priorities from the findings of a series of interviews and workshops with governmental scientists and regulators from food safety agencies in fifteen jurisdictions globally. The interviews and workshops aimed to identify the key safety questions and priority areas of research. Participants raised questions about which aspects of cultured meat and seafood production are novel, and the implications of the paucity of public information on the topic. Novel parameters and targets may require the development of new analytical methods or adaptation and validation of existing ones, including for a diversity of product types and processes. Participants emphasized that data sharing of these efforts would be valuable, similar to those already developed and used in the food and pharmaceutical fields. Contributions to such databases from the private and public sectors would speed general understanding as well as efforts to make evaluations more efficient. In turn, these resources, combined with transparent risk assessment, will be critical elements of building consumer trust in cultured meat and seafood products. Full article