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SOIL is a vital component in the agroecosystem that can control the forming and decomposition of carbohydrates through soil microbial activity. Carbohydrates are an essential part of our diet that can supply our bodies with more than half of human needs from energy. Carbohydrates also contribute to solving the global food crisis by supplying humans and animals with carbohydrate-based foods under different agroecosystems. This review focuses on the fantastic journey of carbohydrates in the agroecosystem, which starts from the soil as a leadingcentral pool for carbon sequestration and carbohydrates forming by plants, the practical microbial activities on carbohydrates, and the role of carbohydrates against climate change. This journey continues after forming carbohydrates by cultivated plants or their microbial decomposition till their consumption by humans/animals using the in vitro engineered digestion models. This journey can also show some applications of carbohydrates in different sectors such as food, ecology, pharma, therapeutics, and agriculture. Due to the importance of carbohydrate-based foods for human health, it is a crucial issue to present in vitro digestion models of such macro-molecules. Further studies on carbohydrates are needed on many global issues, including climate change, such as loss of soil fertility, soil erosion, and carbohydrate-based agro-biotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digitalization of data into electronic formats can transform the efficiency of an organization. Advances in software programming have enabled seamless conversion of manual workflows into electronic processes. We have described our experiences in the development of reliable and robust inter-connected electronic systems. In this article we have addressed the challenges in the development of electronic laboratory notebook software that follows a workflow in a biological laboratory. These challenges include: (i) linguistics: translation of ‘language of the scientist’ to the ‘language of the software designer’ and to the ‘language of the programmer’, (ii) limited knowledge of capabilities and limitations of technologies on either side (scientific and software) and (iii) lack of communication and documentation practices for capturing the requirements. Data integrity is the central regulatory requirement to a quality management system. Digitalization can address this challenge by addressing three major advantages – standardization of processes, increased compliance and enhanced efficiency. The observations made during the development processes of the present study can be applied to scientific software development and increasing requirements for collaboration of diverse cross-functional teams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review discusses the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on pharmaceutical technology. AI has the potential to revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry by improving drug discovery, development, and deliver y. By using AI-powered tools, pharmaceutical companies can accelerate the drug discovery process, improve clinical trials, and optimize drug formulation. Additionally, AI can be used to monitor patient outcomes, identify adverse effects, and personalize treatment plans. The use of AI in the pharmaceutical industry can result in cost savings, enhanced patient care, and profitable innovation. Despite the many advantages, there are limitations to the adoption of AI in pharma technology, including data privacy concerns and the need for highly skilled personnel. Nevertheless, the future of pharma technology lies in the integration of AI, and it is expected that 50% of global healthcare companies will actively execute AI strategies and adopt this technology by 2025. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quarter of a century ago, designer peptide drugs finally broke through the glass ceiling. Despite the resistance by big pharma, biotechnology companies managed to develop injectable peptide-based drugs, first against orphan or other small volume diseases, and later for conditions affecting large patient populations such as type 2 diabetes. Even their lack of gastrointestinal absorption could be utilized to enable successful oral dosing against chronic constipation. The preference of peptide therapeutics over small molecule competitors against identical medical conditions can be achieved by careful target selection, intrachain and terminal amino acid modifications, appropriate conjugation to stability enhancers and chemical space expansion, innovative delivery and administration techniques and patient-focused marketing strategies. Unfortunately, however, pharmacoeconomical considerations, including the strength of big pharma to develop competing small molecule drugs, have somewhat limited the success of otherwise smart peptide-based therapeutics. Yet, with increasing improvement in peptide drug modification and formulation, these are continuing to gain significant, and growing, acceptance as desirable alternatives to small molecule compounds.

Abstract Crowdfunding is emerging as an alternative form of funding for medical purposes, with capital being raised directly from a broader and more diverse audience of investors. In this paper, we have systematically researched and reviewed the literature on medical crowdfunding to determine how crowdfunding connects with the health care industry. The health care industry has been struggling to develop sustainable research and business models for economic systems and investors alike, especially in pharmaceuticals. The research results have revealed a wealth of evidence concerning the way crowdfunding is applied in real life. Patients and caregivers utilize web platform–based campaigns all over the world to fund their medical expenses, generally on a spot basis, using donation-based or even reward-based schemes, regardless of the health care system archetype (public, private insurance-based or hybrid). Academics have also focused on funding campaigns and the predictors of success (which range from social behaviour and environment to the basic demographics of the campaigners and their diseases) and on social and regulatory concerns, including heightened social inequality and stigma. While equity crowdfunding is disrupting the way many ventures/businesses seek capital in the market, our research indicates that there are no relevant or consistent data on the practice of medical equity crowdfunding in health care, apart from a few anecdotal cases.

• Evolutionism provides a framework to understand business model shifts, linking challenges to future advantages. • Digital competencies, new therapeutic modalities and COVID-19 lessons will shape future R&D. • Technology-investigating and asset-integrating pharma companies as emerging business models. This paper describes the theory of evolutionary economics in the context of pharmaceutical R&D. In this context, the R&D productivity crisis acts as a key selection mechanism, and R&D, technology and industry trends provide mechanisms of variation. Drawing on today's prevailing business model among leading pharmaceutical companies, the biotech-leveraged pharma company (BIPCO), I propose two new value creation logics: the technology-investigating pharma company (TIPCO) and the asset-integrating pharma company (AIPCO). Although some companies already share aspects of these business models, it is not yet clear, in terms of evolutionary economics, what the ultimate outcome of the evolutionary process in pharma R&D will be. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Commercialized since 2019, emicizumab (Hemlibra) was available only in French hospital pharmacies for prophylaxis of hemophilia A with or without inhibitors. Since June 15, 2021, patients can choose between a hospital and community pharmacy. These changes in the care pathway have important organizational consequences for patients, their relatives, and health professionals. Two training programs are available for community pharmacists: the "HEMOPHAR" training program proposed by the national reference center for hemophilia and the Roche training program proposed by the laboratory that markets the product. Objective: The PASODOBLEDEMI study aims to evaluate the direct impact of the training programs provided to community pharmacists in the context of the dispensing of emicizumab, and to evaluate patients' satisfaction with their treatment whether they choose dispensation from a community pharmacy or retained dispensation from the hospital pharmacy. Methods: We designed a cross-sectional study based on the 4-level Kirkpatrick evaluation model: the immediate reaction of community pharmacists following training (Reaction), the knowledge acquired during the training (Learning), the professional practice of community pharmacists during dispensing of the product (Behavior), and patients' satisfaction related to the treatment whether it is dispensed from a hospital or from a community pharmacy (Results). Results: Considering that single outcome measures cannot adequately reflect the complexity of this new organization, the Kirkpatrick evaluation model provides 4 distinct outcomes: the immediate reaction after the HEMOPHAR training program, the level of knowledge acquired after the HEMOPHAR training program, the impact of training on professional practice, and patient satisfaction with access to emicizumab. We developed specialized questionnaires for each of the 4 levels of the Kirkpatrick evaluation model. All community pharmacists involved in dispensing emicizumab, whether they have followed the HEMOPHAR or the Roche training program or neither, were eligible for inclusion. All patients with severe hemophilia A were eligible, irrespective of inhibitor use, age, treatment with emicizumab, and whether they chose dispensation from a community pharmacy or retained dispensation from a hospital pharmacy. Conclusions: The new organization for dispensing emicizumab to patients with hemophilia A in French community pharmacies must be accompanied by optimal safety and quality conditions due to the risk of serious and urgent bleeding situations in the management of rare bleeding diseases. The elaboration of the PASODOBLEDEMI protocol has already a positive impact with the commitment of all health professionals, physicians, hospital and community pharmacists, and the patient community. The results will be disseminated among the French authorities and will enable, if necessary, proposing this access model to other rare diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The era of advanced artificial intelligence has arrived with the development of chatbots like ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer). As described by Ouyang et al. (2022), ChatGPT demonstrates an impressive ability to generate human-like responses and solve practical problems, surpassing original expectations for its capabilities. The rapid release and adoption of ChatGPT signals a new phase in AI development, powered by large language models that can be fine-tuned through human feedback. However, risks remain regarding how such powerful models may be misused. Further research is needed to ensure safe and ethical deployment of these transformative technologies.

Education is not intended to provide only degrees. It is meant to prepare an individual as a human being as per the need of society and also inculcate skills in them so that they can contribute to the development of society. The 21st century is facing rapid growth in technology, which has impacted every global sector. The emergence of knowledge and information has given major exposure to change in every working sector. To cope with rapid change, we need to adopt new skills, bring necessary change, and upgradation of our knowledge is important. So, the 21st cent skills & competencies inculcation in students is essential to be successful in the 21st-century industry. TPACK is a framework that supports teachers in the planning, implementation, and reflection on their teaching method with appropriate use of their domain of education which is Technology Pedagogy & content knowledge. Life skills talked about the skill which will be the pillar of students' holistic development for their future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crowdfunding is emerging as an alternative form of funding for medical purposes, with capital being raised directly from a broader and more diverse audience of investors. In this paper, we have systematically researched and reviewed the literature on medical crowdfunding to determine how crowdfunding connects with the health care industry. The health care industry has been struggling to develop sustainable research and business models for economic systems and investors alike, especially in pharmaceuticals. The research results have revealed a wealth of evidence concerning the way crowdfunding is applied in real life. Patients and caregivers utilize web platform–based campaigns all over the world to fund their medical expenses, generally on a spot basis, using donation-based or even reward-based schemes, regardless of the health care system archetype (public, private insurance-based or hybrid). Academics have also focused on funding campaigns and the predictors of success (which range from social behaviour and environment to the basic demographics of the campaigners and their diseases) and on social and regulatory concerns, including heightened social inequality and stigma. While equity crowdfunding is disrupting the way many ventures/businesses seek capital in the market, our research indicates that there are no relevant or consistent data on the practice of medical equity crowdfunding in health care, apart from a few anecdotal cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We analyzed 21 leading research-based pharmaceutical companies by global sales 2019 regarding their inbound R&D activities between 2015 and 2019. • Over the last decade open innovation (OI) has found its way into and is a widely used R&D model of the research-based pharmaceutical industry. • The depth and breadth of implementation differs greatly across major industry players: While four pharmaceutical companies (Novartis, Otsuka, Gilead, and Allergan) rely more on traditional R&D concepts, the vast majority (15 out of 21 companies) also uses network-based OI models to supplement R&D. And two companies (Bayer and AstraZeneca) have opened their R&D into ecosystem-enabled. Open innovation (OI) holds promise to accelerate, diversify, and innovate research and development (R&D) in the pharmaceutical industry. It remains to be assessed in which way and to what extent OI is leveraged in practice by current pharmaceutical R&D organizations. Therefore, here we comprehensively analyzed 21 research-based pharmaceutical companies and benchmarked their implementation of OI. Our data showed that OI is an integral part of R&D of all assessed pharmaceutical companies; models typically used are research collaborations, innovation incubators, academic centers of excellence, public–private partnerships (PPPs), mergers and acquisitions (M&A), licensing, or corporate venture capital (VC) funds. In addition, we conclude that the implementation of OI differs greatly across corporations and, consequently, that R&D organizations of research-based pharmaceutical companies can be classified based on their level of OI implementation into three distinct types: predominantly traditional R&D; network-based R&D; and R&D ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review discusses the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on pharmaceutical technology. AI has the potential to revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry by improving drug discovery, development, and deliver y. By using AI-powered tools, pharmaceutical companies can accelerate the drug discovery process, improve clinical trials, and optimize drug formulation. Additionally, AI can be used to monitor patient outcomes, identify adverse effects, and personalize treatment plans. The use of AI in the pharmaceutical industry can result in cost savings, enhanced patient care, and profitable innovation. Despite the many advantages, there are limitations to the adoption of AI in pharma technology, including data privacy concerns and the need for highly skilled personnel. Nevertheless, the future of pharma technology lies in the integration of AI, and it is expected that 50% of global healthcare companies will actively execute AI strategies and adopt this technology by 2025. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• FDA approved 176 new drugs for the 20 leading pharmaceutical companies (2014–2023). • An additional 33 new drugs were acquired through post-approval acquisition (2014–2023). • Big pharma launched 83 first-in-class drugs (2014–2023). • Most new drugs of the top 20 pharma companies were approved in oncology. • Big pharma's share of the industry's R&D output declined from 72% (2014) to 40% (2023). This article addresses the research and development (R&D) productivity challenge of the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-related new drug approvals of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies (2014–2023). We evaluated the degree of innovation in new drugs to determine the innovativeness of these leading companies. A key finding of our analysis is the decline in the number of new drugs approved by the FDA for these leading companies over the investigated time period. This trend suggests that some of the leading companies are losing ground in R&D innovation, raising concerns about their ability to sustain competitive advantage, ensure long-term market success, and maintain viable business models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many scholars argued that improving access to medicine requires major amendments to the patent system, which is structured according to the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights. This article argues that the argument is not necessarily true. Amending Article 6 of the TRIPS Agreement to adopt a national exhaustion rule for pharmaceutical patents would be sufficient to achieve a considerable improvement in access to medicine while simultaneously strengthening patent protection. This proposal encourages the pharmaceutical industry to adopt a price discrimination policy whereby Pharma would lower medicine prices in the lower-income countries. Accordingly, global access to new medicines such as COVID-19 medicines could be increased as these countries have the majority of poor people. At the same time, Pharma can continue to sell the same medicine in higher-income countries at higher prices, generating sufficient profits to incentivize research and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cold chain protects food, pharmaceutical, and chemical goods against deterioration due to inappropriate temperature, humidity, light, or pollutants. Here we analyze the existing scenario's benchmarking and decision-making methodologies for improved future cold chain logistics and supply chain management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to compare the strategies of companies with data science practices and methodologies and the data specificities/variables that can influence the definition of a data science strategy in pharma companies. The current paper is an empirical study, and the research approach consists of verifying against a set of statistical tests the differences between companies with a data science strategy and companies without a data science strategy. We have designed a specific questionnaire and applied it to a sample of 280 pharma companies. The main findings are based on the analysis of these variables: overwhelming volume, managing unstructured data, data quality, availability of data, access rights to data, data ownership issues, cost of data, lack of pre-processing facilities, lack of technology, shortage of talent/skills, privacy concerns and regulatory risks, security, and difficulties of data portability regarding companies with a data science strategy and companies without a data science strategy. The paper offers an in-depth comparative analysis between companies with or without a data science strategy, and the key limitation is regarding the literature review as a consequence of the novelty of the theme; there is a lack of scientific studies regarding this specific aspect of data science. In terms of the practical business implications, an organization with a data science strategy will have better direction and management practices as the decision-making process is based on accurate and valuable data, but it needs data scientists skills to fulfil those goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we show that a provision in antitrust law to allow patent settlements with a later market entry of generics than the date that is expected under patent litigation can increase consumer welfare. We introduce a policy parameter for determining the optimal additional period for collusion that would incentivize the challenging of weak patents and maximize consumer welfare. While in principle, later market entry leads to higher profits and lower consumer welfare, this can be more than compensated for if more patents are challenged as a result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Asthma is a common chronic disease worldwide affecting an estimated 300 million people. Pharmacists can play key roles to support optimal health outcomes for patients with asthma. Goffman's Dramaturgical Theory was used in this review to critically examine the literature describing the role of pharmacists in asthma services. Objectives: The aim of this review is to identify factors that influence the role of pharmacists in asthma care services. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted of seven electronic databases including: CINAHL, Midline (Ovid), PubMed, Scopus, Web of science, Embase and PsycInfo.). The search was not restricted by language or date of publication. Studies were screened according to inclusion criteria which included much relate to pharmacists, asthma services and include qualitative findings. Data was extracted and thematically synthesised to create demographic, descriptive and analytical findings. Results: Eighteen studies were included. The majority of studies were conducted in high income countries, with most of the studies conducted in Australia (n = 10). Semi-structured interview was used as a method for data collection in most studies (n = 11). Evidence indicated pharmacists engaged in asthma services positively and wanted to expand their roles in patient care. However, literature reported patients' attitudes and health-system factors such as remuneration, as well as inter-professional collaboration and expected low levels of knowledge and skills of pharmacists were barriers to implementation of pharmacy-led asthma care. Analytical findings suggest that pharmacists' involvement in asthma care services were influenced by patients' and healthcare professionals' expectations which were juxtaposed with pharmacists' own self-perceived identity. Conclusions: This review demonstrates pharmacists self-identified as being capable and equipped with appropriate knowledge and skills, however the expectations of patients and other healthcare professionals prohibited their involvement in delivering asthma care services.

• To understand the AI technologies that are used in pharmaceutical research and development (R&D), we analyzed 271 AI-related publications from the top 20 pharmaceutical companies (published 2014 to Q3 of 2019). • To understand the AI activities of the Big Tech companies Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, IBM, and Microsoft in pharmaceutical R&D, we analyzed their scientific publications. • To understand the competencies of 398 AI startups in pharmaceutical R&D, we investigated their (1) determination, as illustrated by information from corporate communication; (2) knowledge, as proven by scientific publications and/or patent applications; and (3) ability to execute with respect to AI, as documented by collaborations with pharmaceutical companies and Big Techs. We investigated what kind of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are utilized in pharmaceutical research and development (R&D) and which sources of AI-related competencies can be leveraged by pharmaceutical companies. First, we found that machine learning (ML) is the dominating AI technology currently used in pharmaceutical R&D. Second, both Big Techs and AI startups are competent knowledge bases for AI applications. Big Techs have long-lasting experience in the digital field and offer more general IT solutions to support pharmaceutical companies in cloud computing, health monitoring, diagnostics or clinical trial management, whereas startups can provide more specific AI services to address special issues in the drug-discovery space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous improvements in mass spectrometry (MS) have resulted in the widespread availability and adoption of high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) across laboratories worldwide. The capabilities and the associated advantages of HRMS make it an invaluable analytical tool for analyte characterization, screening, and quantification methodologies for a wide scope of applications across pharmaceutical development. These applications include drug discovery, product characterizations of both small molecules and novel drug modalities, in vitro and in vivo metabolism studies, post‐approval quality control, and pharmacovigilance. This review gives an overview of the current capabilities of HRMS and its pharmaceutical applications in 2020, and provides a perspective on the future of HRMS within the pharmaceutical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the pandemic state, produced by the infection with the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, and the consequent state of health emergency, it is considered scientifically important to propose an update on ongoing clinical pharmacological trials, the most advanced international projects in the innovation sector and the most important statistical mathematical approaches to use a model for predictive purposes. In Italy there are several experimental molecules subjected to rigorous RCT studies approved by AIFA. In the Research & Development sector, the CERN in Geneve with the “CERN against COVID-19 project” represents the most advanced innovation, while in predictive statistical techniques, the mathematical model with wavelet approach allows to predict variables such as the persistence of the virus or to calculate the probability of transmission, strategic information for health planning.

BRIC nations – Brazil, Russia, India, and China – represent 40% of the world’s population, including a growing aging population and middle class with an increasing prevalence of chronic disease. Their healthcare systems increasingly rely on prescription drugs, but they differ from most other healthcare systems because healthcare expenditures in BRIC nations have exhibited the highest revenue growth rates for pharmaceutical multinational corporations (MNCs), Big Pharma. The response of BRIC nations to Big Pharma presents contrasting cases of how governments manage the tensions posed by rising public expectations and limited resources to satisfy them. Understanding these tensions represents an emerging area of research and an important challenge for all those who work in the field of health policy and management (HPAM).

• Electron diffraction allows for fully characterising nanocrystals. • Easy, fast and accurate molecular structure determination of nanometre particles. • Determination of the absolute configuration on enantiomorphs. • Crystal mapping can determine the presence of polymorphs. • Single-crystal studies will secure a broader protection of intellectual property. Electron Diffraction (ED) is gaining momentum in science and industry. The application of ED for performing nanocrystallography is a disruptive innovation that is opening up fascinating new perspectives particularly for organic compounds required in the fields of chemical, pharmaceutical and advanced materials research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: drugs; pharma; retail; vertical integration; reimbursement EN drugs pharma retail vertical integration reimbursement 289 293 5 11/26/20 20201001 NES 201001 I. Introduction In March earlier this year the Bulgarian Competition Protection Commission (CPC or Authority) made a statement in response to the COVID-19 outbreak where it underlined that the pharmaceutical markets will be under strict scrutiny during the pandemic. Vertical Integration Restrictions Before Latest Amendments of the Drug Law from July 2020 Until the end of July 2020, Drug Law provided only for partial restriction of vertical integration among different market levels. The current Drug law has been adopted and entry into force in the first half of 2007. b. CPC Opinion from 2008 In 2008, the CPC adopted an opinion regarding certain provisions in the new Drug Law concerning horizontal and vertical integration. At the same time, the prohibition of the vertical integration did not affect negatively the competition on the market. c. CPC's Current Opinion on the Latest Amendments to the Drug Law 2020 As mentioned above the latest amendments to the Drug Law are an addition to the previous partial restrictions of vertical integration. [Extracted from the article]

The link between diet and human health status has been repeatedly proved by strong scientific evidence, and developed societies demand food products with an added value beyond the satisfaction of hunger and the provision of nutrients. Functional foods, food supplements and nutraceuticals are at the interface between nutrition and pharma and opens the doors for seeking new therapeutic alternatives for the prevention of nutrition-related diseases. The present review is aimed at clarifying the differences between functional foods, food supplements and nutraceuticals as well as describing its regulatory framework in Europe, United States and Japan. Specific harmonized regulation for these products is needed. Functional foods, food supplements and nutraceuticals exert health-promoting properties and could be considered as potential candidates in the management of chronic diseases in combination with prescribed medication. Further research is essential for establishing which nutrition-pharma combinations are most favorable and suitable for each chronic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]