Drug discovery and development

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.…

Addressing drug–microbiome interactions: the role of healthcare professionals

As research continually highlights the importance of drug–microbiome relationships, healthcare professionals in all settings may soon be called upon to incorporate microbiome profiling in their work.…

Research suggests that molnupiravir is effective against Omicron variant

Laboratory research results suggest that antivirals remain effective against the Omicron strain of SARS-CoV-2 virus, but monoclonal antibodies lose potency against it.…

‘Magic blankets’: a new classification of drugs that could help tackle future pandemics

In new pandemics, we won't have time to find 'magic bullets' — we need to build an armoury of broad-spectrum therapeutics that combat a range of pathogens.…

Ten things pharmacists should know about COVID-19 vaccines

Work towards a COVID-19 vaccine is progressing rapidly and new information is emerging every day. Here we aim to summarise the most important details of COVID-19 vaccine development from a pharmacy perspective.…

First antimicrobial drugs purchased via new ‘subscription’ payment model

The first antimicrobial drugs have been purchased via the UK’s new ‘subscription-type’ payment model.…

COVID-19 vaccines: send us your questions

With positive trial results for potential COVID-19 vaccines coming thick and fast, we plan to dig beneath the headlines and answer your questions.…

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?…

The COVID-19 vaccines being backed by the UK and when we might get them

The UK government has ordered 340 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines from several manufacturers, with the hope that at least one will prove successful in large clinical trials over the next few months. However, there are no guarantees and some of the strategies are not without their challenges.…

Beyond antibiotics: harnessing bacteria’s natural predators

With antibiotic resistance set to cost 10 million lives per year by 2050, there is a renaissance of interest in the potential of bacteriophages to be the next generation of bacteria killers.…