Latest news with #AstraZeneca
Fast Company
8 hours ago
- Health
- Fast Company
Scientists engineer bacteria to turn plastic waste into painkillers
Tales of turning water into wine or weaving straw into gold are one thing, but a new study shows that scientists can transform trash into . . . Tylenol? Scientists at the University of Edinburgh were able to convert plastic waste into paracetamol, aka acetaminophen, the active ingredient in the pain reliever Tylenol. Stranger yet, they pulled off the alchemical feat using the bacteria E. coli. 'We're able to transform a prolific environmental and societal waste into such a globally important medication in a way that's completely impossible, using chemistry alone or using biology alone,' says study coauthor Stephen Wallace, a chemical biotechnologist at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. The research team began with polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a common plastic found in food packaging and polyester clothing. Using established chemical methods, they broke down the PET plastic into a precursor molecule and then added it into a cell culture of E. coli that was genetically modified. Enzymes in the modified E. coli bacteria were able to convert the plastic precursor into paracetamol 92% of the time. The transformation relies on a chemical process known as a Lossen rearrangement, which can convert one kind of molecule into a different kind of molecule. Scientists have known about the Lossen rearrangement for more than 100 years, but generally observe the phenomenon in a flask or a test tube. The research group is now working with pharmaceutical makers including AstraZeneca, one of the study's sponsors, to replicate the same chemical transformations on a larger scale. The new research isn't the first to observe the way that bacteria can be deployed to usefully break down plastic. Researchers have previously studied how wastewater bacteria found in urban waterways use a special enzyme to chew up plastic trash and convert it into carbon-based food. As we grapple with the cascading environmental and health effects that decades of proliferating plastics have wrought on the planet, bacteria capable of converting plastic into harmless or even useful molecules is a promising area of research.
The Guardian
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Man's Best Friend review – lockdown, loneliness and a pack of cute canines
A few blocks down the road on Argyle Street, a stall is promoting conspiracy theories about AstraZeneca. Every side is pasted with neurotic headlines misinforming passersby about vaccines. It is an odd, not to mention dangerous, throwback to the pandemic. So, too, in its own benign way, is Douglas Maxwell's play. It is not just that Man's Best Friend concerns a lockdown-era bereavement, a hospital stay in isolation and a funeral on Zoom. It is also that its themes are steeped in those strange months when it felt we had been plucked out of time. Maxwell evokes the days when past and future were denied us. There is clapping for the NHS, a new moment of neighbourliness and an urge to yell out the names of those we have lost. More than that, there is a sense of rootlessness and irresolution. A world in limbo. It is apparent from the start that something is awry with Ronnie. Performed with storytelling panache by Jordan Young, he is a man who cannot settle. Despite a cheery disposition, an invigorating job as a dog walker and a satirical eye for the rituals of outdoor life, he is out of sorts. He is not yet an emergency case (he has based his Zen meditation techniques on an advert for Center Parcs), but nor is he at ease. Thus, he walks with Albert, Fury, Carlos, Coriander and Rex around the embracing curves of Becky Minto's plank-lined set, as Grant Anderson's lighting shifts from pale dawn to fiery dusk, Ross Collins's cute canine illustrations come and go, and Maxwell's monologue grows from lighthearted to maudlin. Beyond the easy comedy, it is a play stalked by death and a yearning for release. First seen in 2022 in the lunchtime series A Play, a Pie and a Pint and now restaged by Jemima Levick in a handsome 80-minute production, it is vivid and touching. But it is also not quite of this time. For all Maxwell's perceptivity about loneliness, loss and dogs, and for all Young's vulnerability and charm, the world of Man's Best Friend is neither close enough nor far away enough to hit where it hurts. At Tron theatre, Glasgow, until 12 July; then touring, 3–27 September
Globe and Mail
13 hours ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Tempus AI's Data Business Keeps Scaling Up: Can the Growth Pace Last?
Tempus AI TEM, a Chicago-based company focused on precision medicine, is building network effects via its three interconnected product lines. In the first quarter of 2025, revenues in its Data and Services segment increased 43.2% year over year to $61.9 million, driven by a 58% growth in Insights, the company's data licensing business. Gross profit outpaced revenue growth, up 65.2% with only a modest 3% increase in the cost of revenues. The business has scaled significantly, securing deals with companies like Novartis, Merck EMD, Takeda and United Therapeutics over the past year. Against that backdrop, Tempus' ability to sustain such strong growth rates in Data and Services is particularly impressive. Most of these contracts span multiple years, with total remaining contract value reflecting data and services yet to be delivered. Several recent developments are setting the stage for the momentum to continue. A major highlight is Tempus AI's $200 million data and modeling license agreement with AstraZeneca AZN and Pathos to build the world's largest foundation model, bringing AZN's total remaining contract value to over $1 billion as of April 30. AZN and Pathos are also covering a large portion of the compute costs to train the model. Notably, the agreement's non-exclusive nature allows Tempus to license data and build models with others in the future. The company also expanded its collaboration with Illumina, which will use its multimodal data platform to accelerate clinical benefits of molecular profiling across all major diseases. In May, Tempus inked a large data agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim focused on biomarker development and novel discovery efforts, building on their past collaboration. Further, the company's new oncology-focused platform, Loop, is already in use by a large pharmaceutical company to prioritize drug targets in patient subpopulations with severe unmet needs. TEM's Key Competitors in Data and Services ICON ICLR, an Ireland-based contract research organization, experienced a significant increase in overall biotech opportunities and a modest uptick in project win rates in the first quarter of 2025. However, it was ultimately offset by an increased number of customer-cancelled request for proposal (RFP) opportunities. In large pharma, RFP opportunities were softer in the quarter; still, ICLR's high success rate underscored its strong positioning as a strategic partner. IQVIA 's IQV Technology & Analytics Solutions business continued the strong recovery trend in the first quarter of 2025, with clients launching new drugs and executing their commercial roadmaps. However, IQV faced slower decision-making from clinical customers on new programs, reflecting broader macroeconomic pressure and industry caution. IQVIA reported a 10% increase in average time from RFP issuance to award in the quarter, both year over year and sequentially. TEM Outperforms Peers, Industry, But Valuation Stretched Year to date, Tempus AI shares have surged 102.5%, outperforming the industry's 18% growth and also delivering stronger returns than IQV and ICLR. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research TEM currently trades at a forward 12-month Price-to-Sales (P/S) of 8.47X compared to the industry average of 5.83X. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research TEM Stock Estimate Trend As you can see, earnings estimates for Tempus AI in 2025 and 2026 are showing a mixed picture. TEM stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Zacks' Research Chief Picks Stock Most Likely to "At Least Double" Our experts have revealed their Top 5 recommendations with money-doubling potential – and Director of Research Sheraz Mian believes one is superior to the others. Of course, all our picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier recommendations like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%. See Our Top Stock to Double (Plus 4 Runners Up) >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report AstraZeneca PLC (AZN): Free Stock Analysis Report ICON PLC (ICLR): Free Stock Analysis Report IQVIA Holdings Inc. (IQV): Free Stock Analysis Report Tempus AI, Inc. (TEM): Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
3 UK Stocks That May Be Trading Below Their Estimated Value In June 2025
As the United Kingdom's FTSE 100 index faces downward pressure due to weak trade data from China, investors are closely monitoring market conditions that have impacted sectors tied to global demand. In such a fluctuating environment, identifying stocks that may be trading below their estimated value can offer potential opportunities for those looking to capitalize on undervaluation amidst broader economic uncertainties. Name Current Price Fair Value (Est) Discount (Est) Vistry Group (LSE:VTY) £6.456 £10.85 40.5% Topps Tiles (LSE:TPT) £0.352 £0.61 42.2% LSL Property Services (LSE:LSL) £3.11 £5.68 45.2% Jubilee Metals Group (AIM:JLP) £0.035 £0.065 45.7% Informa (LSE:INF) £7.978 £14.49 45% Hostelworld Group (LSE:HSW) £1.365 £2.60 47.4% Gooch & Housego (AIM:GHH) £6.06 £10.55 42.6% Franchise Brands (AIM:FRAN) £1.475 £2.56 42.5% Deliveroo (LSE:ROO) £1.758 £3.06 42.5% AstraZeneca (LSE:AZN) £101.44 £178.07 43% Click here to see the full list of 51 stocks from our Undervalued UK Stocks Based On Cash Flows screener. Let's take a closer look at a couple of our picks from the screened companies. Overview: Franchise Brands plc operates in franchising and related activities across the United Kingdom, Ireland, North America, and Continental Europe with a market cap of £283.99 million. Operations: The company's revenue segments include Azura (£0.81 million), Pirtek (£63.91 million), B2C Division (£5.75 million), Filta International (£25.60 million), and Water & Waste Services (£46.05 million). Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 42.5% Franchise Brands plc appears undervalued, trading at £1.48, significantly below its estimated fair value of £2.56. The company reported substantial earnings growth, with net income rising from £2.99 million to £7.28 million in 2024 and earnings per share increasing markedly year-over-year. Earnings are forecasted to grow at 29.4% annually, outpacing the UK market's 14.3% projection, while revenue is expected to increase by 7.4% per year. The growth report we've compiled suggests that Franchise Brands' future prospects could be on the up. Navigate through the intricacies of Franchise Brands with our comprehensive financial health report here. Overview: Victorian Plumbing Group plc is an online retailer specializing in bathroom products and accessories for both B2C and trade customers in the United Kingdom, with a market cap of £261.98 million. Operations: Revenue segments for the company include online retail sales of bathroom products and accessories to both consumer and trade markets in the UK. Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 35% Victorian Plumbing Group is trading at £0.8, significantly below its estimated fair value of £1.23, presenting a potential undervaluation based on cash flows. Despite recent volatility and insider selling, the company forecasts robust earnings growth of 29.7% annually, surpassing market expectations. Recent interim dividend increases and stable revenue growth projections between £308 million to £313 million for 2025 further support its financial health amidst improved earnings per share from continuing operations over the past year. Our earnings growth report unveils the potential for significant increases in Victorian Plumbing Group's future results. Dive into the specifics of Victorian Plumbing Group here with our thorough financial health report. Overview: W.A.G payment solutions plc operates an integrated payments and mobility platform for the commercial road transportation industry in Europe, with a market cap of £576.89 million. Operations: The company generates revenue through its Payment Solutions segment, which accounts for €2.11 billion, and its Mobility Solutions segment, contributing €125.57 million. Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 11.2% W.A.G Payment Solutions is trading at £0.84, slightly below its estimated fair value of £0.94, indicating potential undervaluation based on cash flows. While earnings are forecast to grow significantly at 34.7% annually, surpassing UK market expectations, revenue is expected to decline sharply by 67.3% per year over the next three years. The company's high return on equity forecast and analyst consensus for a stock price rise offer positive notes despite volatile share prices and insufficient interest coverage by earnings. Upon reviewing our latest growth report, W.A.G payment solutions' projected financial performance appears quite optimistic. Get an in-depth perspective on W.A.G payment solutions' balance sheet by reading our health report here. Click through to start exploring the rest of the 48 Undervalued UK Stocks Based On Cash Flows now. Shareholder in one or more of these companies? Ensure you're never caught off-guard by adding your portfolio in Simply Wall St for timely alerts on significant stock developments. Invest smarter with the free Simply Wall St app providing detailed insights into every stock market around the globe. Explore high-performing small cap companies that haven't yet garnered significant analyst attention. Diversify your portfolio with solid dividend payers offering reliable income streams to weather potential market turbulence. Fuel your portfolio with companies showing strong growth potential, backed by optimistic outlooks both from analysts and management. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include AIM:FRAN AIM:VIC and LSE:WPS. This article was originally published by Simply Wall St. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Telegraph
a day ago
- Business
- Telegraph
AstraZeneca defies Trump to bet on China
When Pascal Soriot flew in to speak at the Boao Forum in China this year, many expected him to keep a low profile. With Donald Trump and Xi Jinping firing shots at each other in an ever-escalating trade row, it was presumed that the AstraZeneca boss would want to keep his head down. Yet Soriot was happy to make his position clear: 'The two large innovators in our industry today are the US and China,' the no-nonsense Frenchman said on the sidelines of the forum, and China was set to 'emerge as really a driving force for innovation in our sector'. Days later, Soriot was one of 40 Western executives summoned to a gathering with Xi Jinping, orchestrated to cement ties between global corporations and Beijing. 'China is absolutely open for us,' Soriot said. Such statements threaten to thrust AstraZeneca into the spotlight at a time when US and China leaders are painfully sensitive to where companies are spending their cash. In recent months, Trump has sought to exert growing power over where companies are investing. In particular, he is keen to ensure it is not in China. Trump has threatened heavy tariffs on Apple unless it moves its manufacturing out of China and the trade deal with the UK struck earlier this year handed the US a 'veto' over Chinese investment in Britain. While the US president's focus has so far been on pulling manufacturing jobs back to America, many company chiefs are wary of finding themselves in Trump's firing line. For pharmaceutical companies, there are particular risks. Trump this year threatened new tariffs on pharmaceuticals, adding: 'When they hear that, they will leave China.' The US is currently in the middle of an investigation into drug imports, which could be a precursor to action. For AstraZeneca, which does not ship drugs between the US and China, it may seem like they should be immune. Yet Trump's unpredictability means nothing can be assumed – and the president has been clear he wants companies to invest in the US, not China. The president's push to make multinationals choose between the US and China is awkward for AstraZeneca, Britain's biggest pharmaceuticals company. AstraZeneca has been in China for more than 30 years and is the largest drugmaker in the country. It made its first foray into the US in the 1970s and now makes 42pc of its revenues there. Both countries have benefited from recent investment from the British drugmaker. Last November, AstraZeneca put $3.5bn into the US to expand its research and manufacturing facilities. It unveiled a $2.5bn (£2.6bn) new centre in Beijing in March. Two weeks ago, AstraZeneca announced a new strategic partnership with China's CSPC Pharmaceuticals Group, worth up to $5.3bn. Michel Demaré, the company's chairman, insists the business is above the fray. 'When you are a global company like AstraZeneca you have always to cope with geopolitical risk,' he told the Financial Times in 2023. 'You have to try to manage that without getting too involved.' Yet taking a studiously neutral approach is becoming ever more difficult. When it comes to Trump, 'the company will have to manage a tightrope to ensure that they are not going to be penalised for their commitment to China and the wider Asian region,' says Ketan Patel, a fund manager at Whitefriars who is an AstraZeneca investor. Over the past few years Soriot has not been shy in voicing his admiration of China. This year, he said that the nation was paving the way in fast-moving areas including antibody drug conjugates and cell therapy. 'They're very committed to China,' says Emily Field, a Barclays analyst who follows the company. 'And that's because there's going to be this huge volume opportunity where Chinese local players are not able to produce drugs.' Patel believes recent pledges from AstraZeneca to do more research in the country and strike deals with Chinese biotechs are a risk move. 'Research and development is a long duration activity and the current partnerships with local players is very much at a nascent stage.' It is not hard to see why some investors are nervous. This year, more than 100 of AstraZeneca's former sales staff were jailed in China over alleged medical insurance fraud. The National Healthcare Security Administration claimed AstraZeneca staff had been involved in scamming medical insurance companies. At the same time, Chinese authorities have been investigating alleged illegal imports of unapproved medicines. AstraZeneca has said it risks millions of dollars worth of fines. Perhaps most seriously for AstraZeneca is the situation surrounding Leon Wang, its country president in China. He was then detained in China last autumn amid an investigation into AstraZeneca's activities in the country and remains in detention today. AstraZeneca says it has been unable to speak to him. 'We all think [about] and miss Leon,' Soriot said this year. 'We certainly wish him the best and we all hope that he's in good, good shape and dealing with a very difficult situation in the best possible way.' Wang has been put on 'extended leave' and replaced for now. Amnesty International said earlier this year the case raised 'difficult ethical questions' about AstraZeneca staying in China. The drugs giant argues that its role as a manufacturer of medicine means it has a moral right to be in as many countries around the world as it can. It has, for example, kept operating in Russia even as other companies have quit over the war in Ukraine. 'Incredible' Still, AstraZeneca is not just remaining in China but ramping up its investments. With Beijing pushing to make the country a better place to create new drugs and run clinical trials, Soriot has hailed the country's pharmaceutical market as 'incredible'. By the end of last year, AstraZeneca had over 200 projects in development in China. The company, which currently has around 40 medicines in China, has around 100 new medicines expected to be approved in China in the next five years. Soriot argues that he has little choice but to turn to China, given ever increasing tax and red tape in Europe make it harder to get things done. In April, Soriot said the continent was 'falling behind in attracting R&D and manufacturing investments, putting its ability to protect the health of its own people at risk'. There is a potential for things to change. This week, UK ministers have been thrashing out plans to try to boost Britain's competitiveness in an effort to attract more life sciences investment from the likes of AstraZeneca. On Thursday, talks were under way to try to come to an agreement on the contentious issue of NHS charges paid by drugmakers. Labour is expected to publish its own overarching life sciences strategy imminently. For now, though, AstraZeneca is focused on China – despite the risks of angering Trump. 'Of course, the US remains extremely important,' Soriot said in April. 'It's the biggest innovation part of the industry. But China is rapidly ramping up and so it's important for us to remain very committed to China.'
