Pharmaceutical companies have committed more than $370 billion to US projects over the next five years, driven by US tariff policies. The investments, highlighted in a report by DPR Construction, are primarily focused on manufacturing but also include research and development. Johnson & Johnson leads with a $55 billion commitment, followed by Roche, Genentech and AstraZeneca. The FDA has introduced programs such as PreCheck to streamline regulatory processes and support domestic production.

US tariffs have surged to levels not seen since the Great Depression, driving protectionism and forcing chemical companies to rethink their business models. In this ICIS podcast, Will Beacham interviews Tom Brown and Paul Hodges about how tariffs have led to a sharp decline in chemical prices and volumes, particularly affecting US export-oriented businesses. They discuss the need for regional supply chains and production capabilities.

A new taste-based sensor for the flu could make detecting infectious diseases as simple as chewing a piece of gum. In a study from Würzburg University, researchers created a chewing gum containing a taste molecule linked to salic acid, which the influenza virus can bind to and cleave. If the virus isn't present, the sensor tastes like nothing due to the length of the sensor complex. If the virus is present, it will split the molecule, producing an herbal flavor.

Scaling up plastics recycling in Europe is becoming increasingly difficult due to high energy costs, regulatory uncertainty and other factors, according to Deloitte. It emphasizes that designing products for continuous reuse and minimizing environmental impact are central to making the plastics industry more resilient and sustainable.

Pirelli and McLaren have developed a range of tires for the McLaren W1 supercar that are made from more than 50% recycled and bio-based materials. The tires are certified by Bureau Veritas under the ISO 14021 standard and include natural rubber, biochemicals, bio-resins and recycled materials such as metal reinforcements and rubber from end-of-life tires.

Innovative approaches are advancing efforts to target previously "undruggable" cancer proteins, with generative AI helping uncover new targets by analyzing complex disease biology and platforms like Insilico Medicine's Pharma.AI showing promising results. Novel strategies such as virus-like particle-drug conjugates and dual-precision targeted protein degradation are also demonstrating potential in clinical trials.

Manufacturers are increasingly leveraging AI, alongside smart sensors, predictive maintenance and wearables, to enhance safety on production floors. AI systems are particularly effective at identifying patterns and anomalies that may signal hazards, enabling quicker intervention and the prevention of accidents. The ongoing integration of these technologies is expected to reduce workplace injuries further and foster a safer environment for workers.

All-cause mortality was 25% lower among adults younger than 60 who received at least one dose of a messenger RNA COVID-19 vaccine over a median follow-up of 45 months, compared with those who were not vaccinated, according to a nationwide cohort study in France. The reduced risk persisted even after adjusting for age, comorbidities and socioeconomic differences, with a weighted hazard ratio of 0.75. The protective effect was most pronounced within the first six to nine months after vaccination and gradually declined but remained significant throughout the study period.

Fujifilm has established a regional bioethics committee composed of independent experts in bioethics, law and patient advocacy to provide a formal forum for addressing ethical concerns in drug development. The committee will guide policy-making in areas such as cell therapy, biomanufacturing and regenerative medicine to ensure ethical considerations remain central to the company’s scientific work.

The FDA is considering changes to its user fee structure that would lower fees for drug programs conducting early-stage clinical trials in the US while increasing fees for those conducting trials abroad. The proposal is part of negotiations for the next Prescription Drug User Fee Act, set to take effect in 2027.

The Alliance for mRNA Medicines is calling for stable leadership at the FDA, citing "unprecedented turmoil" that is eroding public trust and threatening public health. The group's statement follows significant leadership changes at the agency, including the appointment of vaccine critic Tracy Beth Høeg as head of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

Answer: Jack Black - Judith Love Cohen was an electrical engineer who worked on the Apollo program and helped design the guidance system that brought the Apollo 13 crew home safely. She is also the mother of Jack Black. She later became an author and advocate for getting girls interested in STEM. She passed away in 2016 at 82 years old.