The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their groundbreaking discovery of microRNA (miRNA) - a class of small RNA molecules that play a crucial role in gene regulation. Their research revealed a new mechanism that controls gene expression, which is essential for cellular function and development, which has significantly expanded the understanding of gene regulation and its impact on diseases like cancer and diabetes.

Hurricane Helene was the second major hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season as it hit the southeastern United States just two weeks ago. Sadly, over 200 people have already lost their lives, and Initial estimates suggest it to be the eighth costliest U.S. hurricane on record.

Global medtech company, Baxter International, faced the full force of the natural disaster as its North Cove facility in North Carolina was affected by flooding due to the storm and has been forced to cease production since. Although no structural damage to the plant has been identified (so far), remediation efforts are ongoing to provide temporary transport in and out of the facility and ensure the necessary electrical and water supplies to the plant are ready for when production can resume.

Avenacy, the injectable medicines company, will use the Milan show to showcase the successful launch of 13 FDA-approved injectable medications within its first year of operations. The company is on track to reach 25+ product launches in its first two years, aiming to address critical drug shortages in the U.S. market. With a growing portfolio, Avenacy will also discuss its unique packaging solutions and plans for further expansion.

Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions will present its new WMArchitect™ single-use fluid management solutions and a range of peristaltic pumps in Milan. On show will be the the DriveSure OEM pump with advanced digital control and Flexicon PF7+ for small-batch applications, and the company will also showcase their Aflex Hose solutions designed for biopharmaceutical processes.

IFF Pharma Solutions will showcase new excipient technologies at CPHI 2024, including low nitrite microcrystalline cellulose grades and ultrapure alginate biopolymers designed for safer pharmaceutical formulations. Highlights include the NOVAMATRIX-3D™ system for 3D cell cultures and new sustainable packaging for POLYOX™ WSR resins, with the innovations aimed at addressing nitrosamine risks, supporting biotech applications, and enhancing drug product stability.

Bormioli Pharma, the designers and manufactures of pharmaceutical packaging solutions, will showcase its sustainable and high-quality primary packaging solutions in Milan next week, presenting its EcoPositive product line that features over 3,000 glass and plastic packaging solutions made from recycled and renewable materials. The products have been designed with the aim of reducing environmental impact while maintaining pharmaceutical safety. The EcoPositive product line now accounts for half of Bormioli's catalogue, supporting its “50-in-5” strategy to achieve 50% sustainable materials by 2025.

A CPHI Milan survey suggests that biologics and Tides (peptides and oligonucleotides) are set to become the fastest-growing areas for CDMOs over the next five years. Biologics were favored by 53% of respondents, with Tides at 43%, whereas demand for small molecule services will remain steady.

Gelita, the German headquartered supplier of peptides and gelatin solutions for the nutritional sector, will introduce its latest innovations, including its softgel controlled release portfolio featuring DELASOL for enteric softgels, RAPISOL for rapid release, and RXL Ultra to combat crosslinking, which can cause softgels to harden and affect gastrointestinal dissolution and release rates. At a presentation during the event, experts from Gelita will discuss overcoming crosslinking using plant-based ingredients. The company will also present EASYSEAL, a solution to reduce leaks in softgel production.

As demand for sterile injectable fill/finish services continues to grow, Steriline will present its latest robotic vial filling and capping machine. By using robotics to handle high-quality vial filling and capping operations, the automated system promises precision, reducing contamination risks, and increasing production efficiency.

M&M Packaging will discuss key market trends, challenges, and solutions in pharmaceutical packaging at CPHI Milan 2024. With growing demands for sustainable materials, compliance with global regulations, and innovative designs for drug delivery, M&M aims to present the latest advances that meet industry needs. Their focus will be on improving safety, usability, and sustainability in packaging to keep pace with the evolving pharmaceutical landscape. 

Plastic packaging manufacturer Berry Global will unveil its latest patient-centric drug delivery systems in Milan, focusing on enhancing ease of use and safety for patients. Key innovations from the company include cutting-edge inhalers, injectors, and other sustainable packaging solutions tailored to pharmaceutical needs. The company will offer attendees the opportunity to explore its expertise in creating customizable solutions that improve patient outcomes and reduce environmental impact.

Last month, Taiwanese-based Bora Pharmaceuticals completed their acquisition of leading generics manufacturer Upsher-Smith, as the company looks to further its expansion into the U.S.

It seems that generic medicines can’t assume market dominance either. In a recent survey by GlobalData, nearly 40% of healthcare professionals said they would choose brand-name drugs over generics if cost was not a factor - particularly in countries (like Japan, Spain, and Italy) where brand loyalty is particularly strong.

Lenmeldy, a gene therapy for metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), has been priced at $4.25 million in the U.S., becoming the world's most expensive drug. This one-time treatment by Orchard Therapeutics, now part of Kyowa Kirin, is the first FDA-approved therapy for children with early-onset MLD.

J&J has filed a lawsuit against a former employee - Andrew Brackhill - accusing him of illicitly downloading and taking thousands of sensitive documents with him to Pfizer.

Pfizer reportedly paid as much as $7 million for a 60-second commercial, leading to a finale which promoted its latest cancer initiative - LetsOutDoCancer.com.

Look out for the keynote by Richard Francis, CEO of Teva Pharmaceuticals, where he’ll discuss how Teva’s focus on innovation, sustaining its generics powerhouse, and its focus on growth engines is fuelling the company’s Pivot to Growth Strategy to build a rich portfolio of innovative medicines.

On the back of their 40th Anniversary event in Gamsen, Germany, Valsynthese posted their genuinely informative and entertaining short video that tells the company’s story from the perspective of its people.