A significant uptick in M&A activity in the biosimilars sector is being driven by FDA regulatory reforms, a maturing patent litigation framework and a looming patent cliff — $200 billion of branded products are facing patent expiration by 2030.
Author archives: admin
Container Rates Edge Lower Ahead of Golden Week as Suez Traffic Returns
The Drewry World Container Index edged lower this week as falling Asia-Europe rates outweighed firmer pricing on the Transpacific, with carriers preparing another round of blank sailings ahead of China’s Golden Week holiday.
In focus: Diacetone Alcohol
Diacetone Alcohol (DAA) is an aliphatic hydroxy ketone produced through the base-catalysed aldol addition of two acetone molecules. It contains both ketone and tertiary hydroxyl functionalities, offering excellent solvency and chemical reactivity.
As a high-boiling oxygenated solvent and valuable chemical intermediate, DAA finds broad application in paints and coatings, printing inks, adhesives, industrial cleaning, cosmetics, and textiles. It is also used as an intermediate in the production of mesityl oxide and MIBK. (4-methylpentan-2-one).
In focus: Kojic Acid
Kojic acid is a natural fungal metabolite produced through natural fermentation of carbohydrates. It works primarily as a tyrosinase inhibitor, suppressing melanin production to help reduce dark spots and even out skin tone. It also delivers antioxidant benefits, neutralizing free radicals and protecting skin cells from oxidative stress. With its naturally weak acidic profile, kojic acid is a multifunctional ingredient suited for brightening and protective skincare formulations.
In focus: (S)-Oxetan-2-yl-methanamine
(S)-Oxetan-2-yl-methanamine is a chiral oxetane-containing primary amine. The compound features a strained four-membered oxetane ring and an aminomethyl substituent, making it a valuable building block in modern medicinal chemistry. Due to its unique physicochemical properties, including increased polarity and metabolic stability compared with conventional alkyl groups, it is widely employed as an advanced pharmaceutical intermediate in drug discovery and development programs.
In focus: Guanidine Carbonate
Guanidine carbonate is a white, crystalline, water-soluble compound with an alkaline and ionic nature. Composed of guanidinium cations and carbonate anions, it offers chemical stability, buffering capacity, and good formulation compatibility. In textile applications, it is used in formulations and fabric treatments for its thickening, softening, lubricating, anti-static, and flame-retardant properties, contributing to improved fabric finish and performance.
EU: “Forever Chemicals” in a Conflict of Interests
On 14 July 2026, the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) published a comprehensive briefing on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as ‘forever chemicals’. The document is intended to serve as a technical basis for MEPs in their upcoming political decisions on PFAS regulation and summarises the current state of scientific knowledge, regulation and procedures.
China Port Congestion
Following a series of typhoon disruptions in East China during the month of August, major ports including Shanghai and Ningbo continue to experience congestion and operational recovery challenges. Industry reports indicate that vessel schedules, yard operations, and equipment circulation remain affected as terminals work through accumulated backlogs from successive storm events.
In focus: Tin(II) sulfide
Tin(II) sulfide (SnS) has emerged as a safe and sustainable semiconductor owing to its non-toxicity, low cost, and natural abundance. It has attracted significant interest for solar energy conversion in thin-film photovoltaic devices because of its suitable band gap, which is approximately 1.3 eV in the orthorhombic phase and 1.5-1.7 eV in the cubic phase. In addition to photovoltaic applications, SnS is used in solid-state lubricants, near-infrared detectors, Lithium-ion batteries, and various sensing devices.
In focus: Nikethamide BP (N,N-Diethylnicotamide)
Nikethamide is a synthetic organic compound derived from nicotinic acid (vitamin B₃). It consists of a pyridine ring linked to a diethyl amide functional group and belongs to the class of pyridine amide derivatives.
In focus: (2-Methoxy-1-methyl-2-oxoethyl)triphenylphosphoniumbromide
(2-Methoxy-1-methyl-2-oxoethyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide is a stabilized phosphonium salt widely used as an intermediate in organic synthesis. Due to presence of an ester group, the compound generates a stabilized ylide that is particularly useful for synthesizing α, β-unsaturated esters, valuable intermediates in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, fragrances, and fine chemicals.
In focus: p-tert-butylphenol (PTBP)
p-tert-Butylphenol (PTBP), is an aromatic organic compound consists of a phenol ring substituted with a tert-butyl group at the para (4-) position, giving it improved thermal stability and hydrophobic properties compared to phenol. PTBP features significant hydrogen bonding capabilities, which enhance its solubility in organic solvents. PTBP is used primarily as an intermediate in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics, phenolic resins, and epoxy resins.