PharmTech Weekly News Roundup — Week of October 20, 2025

In this PharmTech video feature, we highlight the week’s industry news in an easy-to-consume, fun format. New roundups will drop every Friday, so be sure to come back each week.

Collectively, the week’s coverage discusses the pharmaceutical industry’s recent developments and current regulatory landscape. Read on for recaps of each story we’ve covered.

US Pharma Onshoring Gains Momentum

Significant investments in the United States are rapidly expanding domestic capacity for APIs, capsules, sterile filling, and packaging. This industry shift, driven by policy incentives, enhances supply chain resilience and better integrates R&D with manufacturing capabilities amid evolving policy pressures.

ALK Nasal Spray: An R&D Model Shift

The approval of a needle-free adrenaline nasal spray confirms non-invasive routes can match the efficacy of injections for acute treatments, setting a strong precedent for R&D. This success encourages integrating simple designs early to overcome patient hesitation, improve adherence, and reduce cold chain reliance.

‘Behind the Headlines’ Unpacks Mega Deals, R&D Direction

Recent multi-billion dollar deals highlight a strategic industry focus on advanced therapeutic modalities, including in-vivo cell therapy and specialized central nervous system treatments. This financial activity dictates R&D prioritization, even as some major companies simultaneously exit other therapeutic categories.

CPHI 2025: Biopharma and Digital Transformation

Major industry forums will emphasize artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and sustainable manufacturing practices across the drug development lifecycle. Executive discussions will also tackle strategic macro issues, including pharmaceutical resilience and geopolitical impacts on global supply chains.

Ashland High-Purity Excipients Portfolio

New excipients mitigate critical risks: High-purity Vialose sucrose stabilizes proteins in parenteral biologics, and ultra-low nitrite excipients curb nitrosamine formation in oral solid doses. This expanded portfolio assists scientists in managing formulation challenges and enhancing regulatory compliance.

Ask the Expert: Influencing Draft Regulations and Standards

This episode suggests scientists should actively participate in public consultation periods for draft guidances published by regulators and standard bodies. Commenting through corporate channels provides critical learning and allows the industry to effectively influence the final requirements.

SK pharmteco’s Domestic Peptide Supply Chain

A $6.1 million US investment strengthens capacity for solid-phase peptide synthesis and purification, addressing persistent supply chain bottlenecks. Leveraging proprietary chromatography, this expansion accelerates timelines from development through reliable, large-scale commercial production.

Avantor and p-Chip’s Digital Traceability for Consumables

A new partnership develops "smart consumables" using embedded digital microtransponders in labware to ensure secure, end-to-end traceability. This is critical for high-fidelity chain-of-identity compliance and automating process control, especially for individualized cell and gene therapies.