Rachel Brazil

Journalist

Rachel Brazil is a science writer based in London, UK

Engineering precision: developing the next generation of antibody drug conjugates

Researchers are working to create a new generation of these targeted cancer therapies to improve efficacy and minimise off-target adverse effects.…

Microsampling: a patient-centred approach to therapeutic drug monitoring

While adopting microsampling techniques could mean faster, less stressful blood tests for vulnerable patients, introducing this method into existing NHS infrastructure has proved both costly and challenging.…

How AI is transforming drug discovery

Pharmaceutical companies and start-ups are harnessing AI to improve speed and reduce costs at every stage of the drug discovery and development process.…

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.…