Rachel Brazil

Journalist

Rachel Brazil is a science writer based in London, UK

Targeting better safety: next steps for CRISPR therapeutics

Genome editing technique CRISPR was only devised in 2012, but already we have seen the first CRISPR-based medicine for sickle cell disease come to market. Researchers are now refining the technology to improve its safety and efficacy.…

Beyond RCTs: the real-world evidence revolution

Enthusiasm is growing for the use of real-world evidence as a basis for regulatory and clinical decisions. However, not everyone believes this type of data is suitable, with some experts calling for the conduct of randomised controlled trials to be made easier instead.…

Next-generation antivirals: targeting COVID-19

Many of the antivirals trumpeted as turning points in the COVID-19 pandemic have not proved as effective as first expected, but researchers are hoping that a second generation of antivirals will provide better protection — with fewer side effects.…

New approaches to male contraception

Attitudes to male contraception are starting to shift, opening up a potential market in which researchers are hopeful the pharmaceutical industry will want to invest.…

Silencing the genes that harm the brain

There have been variable results so far, but researchers are hopeful that new drugs can be developed to halt disease progression in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s.…

Going plant-based: how molecular farming could revolutionise drug development

As the first plant-based COVID-19 vaccine is approved, we look at how this alternative means of developing drugs may be cheaper, more efficient and could even produce a superior product.…

Gene therapy: from catastrophe to cure in 20 years

After several setbacks since its inception over 30 years ago, in vivo gene therapy is starting to make some significant headway, with new therapies being developed across various therapeutic areas, from ophthalmology to oncology.…

Preventing the next pandemic: the search for a universal flu vaccine

With each new strain of the influenza virus — like the bird flu identified in Russia in 2021 — comes the potential risk of a pandemic. Now, amid the global COVID-19 crisis, a vaccine that can protect against multiple flu strains has never been more important.…

Just out of reach: why the UK must rethink its barriers to novel medicines

The early access to medicines scheme has been running for six years, but has it had the desired impact of ensuring the sickest patients are spared the wait for the most promising treatments, or is it failing to live up to expectations?…