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Seshire A, Duan Y, Lang K. Reaching Outer Space and Enabling the mRNA Revolution: A Critical Role of Partnerships for Successful Drug and Vaccine Development. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 39254747 DOI: 10.1007/164_2024_723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
mRNA and targeted delivery of mRNA carry the promise to enable targeted treatment of undruggable diseases with high unmet medical needs. The transient nature of mRNA opens options for safe influencing of protein biology, immune responses, and complex ailments without impacting DNA heritage. Technical challenges such as mRNA stability and targeted delivery require next generation solutions, which attracted substantial funding and research interests. To build an integrated mRNA value chain and enable the development of novel therapeutics, Merck KGaA Darmstadt, Germany has initiated an internally incubated program, "Targeted mRNA Delivery" (TMD). This collaborative approach brings together scientists, researchers, engineers, and commercial experts from diverse backgrounds to overcome the multidimensional challenges associated with mRNA technology. In this chapter, the multiple opportunities and challenges for the development of mRNA formulations and therapeutics are described comprehensively. Specifically, the TMD program is presented as a use case to show how intrapreneurs were gathered to establish internal mRNA capabilities and foster collaborations for technology development. In the realm of targeted mRNA delivery, partnerships, encompassing internal partnership and external private, public, and hybrid collaborations, play a crucial role in driving innovation and addressing these hurdles. Within multinational pharmaceutical companies, the establishment of "internal startups" is an effective solution to drive innovation to the next level with support from different business sectors, where existing capabilities and positioning are seamlessly blended with the agility and speed of a startup.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yukun Duan
- Merck Pte. Ltd., an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Singapore, Singapore
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Seipp CA, Monks BM, Karnysh I, Betz UAK. Innovation and Team Spirit: The Magic of Science Competitions Seen through the Lens of the Compound Challenge. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202317338. [PMID: 38391056 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202317338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
For five years now, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany has hosted The Compound Challenge-a global retrosynthesis competition. When the event kicked off in 2018 on the occasion of the 350th anniversary of the company, no one could have predicted the path it would take-from a novel competition to a pivotal event within the synthetic chemistry community. But what makes the Compound Challenge tick and what drives its popularity? And, more importantly, what lessons can be taken from the Compound Challenge and applied to other challenges in scientific education and outreach? In this Viewpoint Article we will tell the story of the Compound Challenge, from its inception to its current status. Through examining feedback following each of its iterations, we begin to define what makes an open innovation challenge so compelling. It is our hope that educators, leaders, and innovators will be able to learn from our successes as well as our mistakes and apply these lessons to their future outreach activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A Seipp
- Future Insight, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293, Darmstadt
| | - Brendan Michael Monks
- Process Solutions, Merck Life Science KGaA, Darmstadt Germany, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293, Darmstadt
| | - Iuliia Karnysh
- Future Insight, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293, Darmstadt
| | - Ulrich A K Betz
- Future Insight, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293, Darmstadt
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Ali SS, Elsamahy T, Abdelkarim EA, Al-Tohamy R, Kornaros M, Ruiz HA, Zhao T, Li F, Sun J. Biowastes for biodegradable bioplastics production and end-of-life scenarios in circular bioeconomy and biorefinery concept. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 363:127869. [PMID: 36064080 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Due to global urbanization, industrialization, and economic development, biowastes generation represents negative consequences on the environment and human health. The use of generated biowastes as a feedstock for biodegradable bioplastic production has opened a new avenue for environmental sustainability from the circular (bio)economy standpoint. Biodegradable bioplastic production can contribute to the sustainability pillars (environmental, economic, and social). Furthermore, bioenergy, biomass, and biopolymers production after recycling of biodegradable bioplastic can help to maintain the energy-environment balance. Several types of biodegradable bioplastic, such as starch-based, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polylactic acid, and polybutylene adipate terephthalate, can achieve this aim. In this review, an overview of the main biowastes valorization routes and the main biodegradable bioplastic types of production, application, and biodegradability are discussed to achieve the transition to the circular economy. Additionally, end-of-life scenarios (up-cycle and down-cycle) are reviewed to attain the maximum environmental, social, and economic benefit from biodegradable bioplastic products under biorefinery concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh S Ali
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt.
| | - Tamer Elsamahy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Esraa A Abdelkarim
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Rania Al-Tohamy
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Michael Kornaros
- Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering & Environmental Technology (LBEET), Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, 1 Karatheodori Str., University Campus, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Héctor A Ruiz
- Biorefinery Group, Food Research Department, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Coahuila, Saltillo, Coahuila 25280, Mexico
| | - Tong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150090, China
| | - Fanghua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150090, China.
| | - Jianzhong Sun
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
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García-Depraect O, Bordel S, Lebrero R, Santos-Beneit F, Börner RA, Börner T, Muñoz R. Inspired by nature: Microbial production, degradation and valorization of biodegradable bioplastics for life-cycle-engineered products. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 53:107772. [PMID: 34015389 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The global environmental pollution by micro- and macro-plastics reveals the consequences of an extensive use of recalcitrant plastic products together with inappropriate waste management practices that fail to sufficiently recycle the broad types of conventional plastic waste. Biobased and biodegradable plastics are experiencing an uprising as their properties offer alternative waste management solutions for a more circular material economy. However, although the production of such bioplastics has advanced on scale, the end-of-life (EOL) (bio)technologies to promote circularity are lacking behind. While composting and biogas plants are the only managed EOL options today, advanced biotechnological recycling technologies for biodegradable bioplastics are still in an embryonic stage. Thus, developing efficient biotechnologies capable of transforming bioplastic waste into high-value chemical building blocks or into the constituents of the original polymer offers promising routes towards life-cycle-engineered products. This review aims at providing a comprehensive state-of-the-art overview of microbial-based processes involved in the complete lifecycle of bioplastics. The current trends in the bioplastic market, the beginning and EOL scenarios of bioplastics, and a critical discussion on the key factors and mechanisms governing microbial degradation are systematically presented. Also, a critical evaluation of terminology and international standards to quantify polymer biodegradability is provided together with the latest biotechnological recycling strategies, including the use of different pre-treatments for (bio)plastic waste. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives for the development of life-cycle-engineered biobased and biodegradable plastic products are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Octavio García-Depraect
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Sergio Bordel
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Raquel Lebrero
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Fernando Santos-Beneit
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Rosa Aragão Börner
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé S.A, Route du Jorat 57, 1000 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tim Börner
- Nestlé Research, Société des Produits Nestlé S.A, Route du Jorat 57, 1000 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Raúl Muñoz
- Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, Dr. Mergelina, s/n, 47011 Valladolid, Spain.
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Gupta J, Gupta R. Nutraceutical Status and Scientific Strategies for Enhancing Production of Omega-3 Fatty Acids from Microalgae and their Role in Healthcare. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2020; 21:1616-1631. [PMID: 32619166 DOI: 10.2174/1389201021666200703201014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Adherence to Omega-3 fatty acids (O3FAs) as Nutraceuticals for medicinal applications provides health improvement. The prevention and treatment of diseases with O3FAs hold promise in clinical therapy and significantly reduces the risk of chronic disorders. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) O3FAs have beneficial effects in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, diabetic disease, foetal development, Alzheimer's disease, retinal problem, growth and brain development of infants and antitumor effects. Association to current analysis promotes the application of algal biomass for production of O3FAs, mode of action, fate, weight management, immune functions, pharmaceutical and therapeutic applications serving potent sources in healthcare management. A search of the literature was conducted in the databases of WHO website, Sci.org, PubMed, academics and Google. The authors performed search strategies and current scenario of O3FAs in health associated disorders. Promising outcomes and future strategies towards O3FAs may play a pivotal role in Nutraceutical industries in the cure of human health in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitendra Gupta
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura-281406, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Reena Gupta
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura-281406, Uttar Pradesh, India
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