University of Connecticut

The global pharmaceutical landscape is transforming, driven by tech advancements, patient needs, and inclusive healthcare. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) inclusion in global clinical trials is critical for addressing healthcare disparities, stimulating economic development, and accelerating innovative treatment development. Challenges include scarcity of skilled professionals and robust infrastructure. Regional Contract Research Organisations (CROs) and global pharmaceutical companies must collaborate to unlock SSA's potential, emphasizing ethical principles, patient rights, and regulatory harmonization.

Prenetics, in partnership with David Beckham, launches IM8, a health and wellness brand with two premium products: Daily Ultimate Essentials and Daily Ultimate Longevity, available at IM8health.com, shipping to 31 countries. IM8 products are clinically proven, third-party tested, and designed to support daily health and long-term vitality.

Simulations Plus, in collaboration with the University of Connecticut’s School of Pharmacy, has been awarded an FDA grant to research long-acting injectable (LAI) drug formulations using GastroPlus’ PBPK platform. The study aims to create and validate IVIVCs for LAI technologies, predicting drug release and absorption to streamline regulatory processes for both brand-name and generic drugs.

Projects focus on converting seaweeds and algal biomass into low-carbon fuels, bioproducts, and agricultural bioproducts, aiming for significant GHG reductions.

Dr. Selwyn M. Vickers received the 2024 Cato T. Laurencin Lifetime Research Award at the National Medical Association’s Annual Convention. The award, presented by Laurencin, recognizes Vickers' over 20 years of contributions to human health and cancer research, particularly in pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancers.

MedGenome appoints Dr Felix Olale as President and CEO, and Jennifer Rose as EVP and CCO to lead US operations, aiming to expand in North America through multiomics solutions for disease mechanisms, biomarkers, and personalized medicine.

SpaceX's 31st CRS mission for NASA will launch to the ISS on Nov 4, carrying over 24 ISS National Lab-sponsored payloads aiming to advance human health, space debris removal, and biomanufacturing in low Earth orbit.

UConn professors Dr. Lakshmi Nair and Dr. Yusuf Khan are developing a new tool to extend local anesthesia's effectiveness, aiming to reduce pain without opioid use. Their startup, Soleia Biosciences, seeks to bring this innovation to clinical trials and patients, potentially offering an alternative to opioid-based pain management.