Current challenges
Active natural molecules (secondary metabolites)
The challenges ahead
API production is facing rising costs alongside unpredictable pressures such as climate change, the need to use land for food production and geopolitical uncertainty. To help you find out more about these challenges and other issues, we’ve collated these thought-provoking articles.
The Effects of Climate Change on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
Published by the American Botanical Council, this article looks into the impact of climate change on medicinal plants. Studies have demonstrated that increases in temperature could impact their medicinal activity which has implications for drug production.
https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbalgram/issues/81/table-of-contents/article3379/
Managing Land Carrying Capacity: Key to Achieving Sustainable Production Systems for Food Security
March 27 2022
How will the planet sustainably feed nine billion people in 2050 and beyond? Published by MDPI, this article looks at the environmental challenges ahead such as increasing food production while reducing the use of fertilizers. Non-food crops may encounter challenges as the demand for agricultural land dedicated to food production continues to rise.
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/11/4/484
7 Ways to Increase Pharmaceutical Sustainability
September 05 2023
While it’s crucial that the pharmaceutical industry continues to supply medications globally, it also needs to safeguard the planet’s health. Published by Pharma News Intelligence this article looks at ways to increase pharmaceutical sustainability, such as choosing technologies that can help preserve biodiversity and natural ecosystems.
https://pharmanewsintel.com/features/7-ways-to-increase-pharmaceutical-sustainability#:~:text=Sustainable%20Sourcing,alternatives%20to%20non-renewable%20resources
‘Right shoring’ API production in Europe
22 March 2023
By 2020, only 25% of API production for generic drugs took place in Europe. When Covid-19 hit, EU countries experienced drug shortages as the global supply chain stuttered. Published by Pharmaceutical Technology, this article looks at the current trend in the pharmaceutical industry to shift back to regional suppliers.
https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/features/right-shoring-api-production-in-europe-2/
Effects of Geopolitical Strain on Global Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Design and Drug Shortages
August 14 2023
Uncertainty in the pharmaceutical industry’s supply chain will increasingly impact drug availability in the decades ahead. Published by Cornell University, this article looks at the causes, such as geopolitical instability.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2308.07434
Geopolitical tensions expected to increase to 2050
August 11 2023
How will geopolitical instability impact the pharmaceutical industry in future decades? This article in Engineering News explores the risks. One major concern is that climate change will increase disputes between countries over natural resources.
https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/geopolitical-tensions-expected-to-increase-to-2050-2023-08-11
Plant cell culture deep dive: As cracks emerge in botanical supply chains, ‘It’s a huge space to watch’
May 5 2023
For companies like Samabriva at the cutting-edge of plant cell culture these are exciting times. According to this article published by AgFunder News, the sustainability, stability and consistency of growing plants in a bioreactor are increasingly compelling for the pharmaceutical industry
https://agfundernews.com/plant-cell-culture-ready-for-prime-time-in-food-and-nutraceuticals
What the experts have to say
We interviewed experts to understand what they believe will happen to API production in the coming years.
From global to local – what’s needed to transform API supply chains
21 November 2023
Over the last 20 years, the supply chain for over-the-counter and generic active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) has changed beyond all recognition. Where Europe once dominated, Asia has completely reversed the API production dynamic.
However, if production is to return to Europe cost inequalities between the US and EU and Asia need to be addressed. Adopting new technologies that offer economically viable, local alternatives will be crucial.
https://samabriva.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Risks-to-the-API-supply-chain_v0.5_clean_compressed.pdf