Continuous manufacturing (CM) is defined as a process in which the input material(s) are continuously fed into and transformed, and the processed output materials are continuously removed from the system. CM can be considered as matching the FDA’s so-called ‘Desired State’ of pharmaceutical manufacturing in the twenty-first century as discussed in their 2004 publication on ‘Innovation and Continuous Improvement in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing’. Yet, focused attention on CM did not really start until 2014, and the first product manufactured by CM was only approved in 2015. This review describes some of the benefits and challenges of introducing a CM process with a particular focus on small molecule solid oral dosage forms. The review is a useful introduction for individuals wishing to learn more about CM.

A special symposium of the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences Nanomedicines Focus Group reviewed the current status of the use of nanomedicines for the delivery of biologics drugs. This meeting was particularly timely with the recent approval of the first siRNA-containing product Onpattro™ (patisiran), which is formulated as a lipid nanoparticle for intravenous infusion, and the increasing interest in the use of nanomedicines for the oral delivery of biologics. The challenges in delivering such molecules were discussed with specific emphasis on the delivery both across and into cells. The latest developments in Molecular Envelope Technology^® (Nanomerics Ltd, London, UK), liposomal drug delivery (both from an academic and industrial perspective), opportunities offered by the endocytic pathway, delivery using genetically engineered viral vectors (PsiOxus Technologies Ltd, Abingdon, UK), Transint™ technology (Applied Molecular Transport Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA), which has the potential to deliver a wide range of macromolecules, and AstraZeneca’s initiatives in mRNA delivery were covered with a focus on their uses in difficult to treat diseases, including cancers. Preclinical data were presented for each of the technologies and where sufficiently advanced, plans for clinical studies as well as early clinical data. The meeting covered the work in progress in this exciting area and highlighted some key technologies to look out for in the future.

A meeting jointly organised by the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (APSGB), the Geriatric Medicine Society and the UCL School of Pharmacy took place on the 13th of March 2013, in Stevenage, UK. The meeting was attended by a number of experts involved with the treatment and development of drugs for the older adult, including clinicians, pharmacists, academics, regulators and representatives from industry. The event created the platform to discuss the provision of medicines for older adults from a pharmaceutical sciences perspective.

A meeting organised by the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences focussed on the challenges of developing medicines for older adults. International experts discussed the complexity introduced by polypharmacy and multiple morbidities and how the risk–benefit ratio of a medicine changes as an individual ages. The way in which regulatory authorities are encouraging the development of age-appropriate medicines was highlighted. Examples were provided of the difficulties faced by the older population with some medicinal products and suggestions given as to how the pharmaceutical scientist can build the requirements of the older population into their development of new medicines, as well as improvements to existing ones.

A meeting organised by the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (APSGB) Age-Related Medicines Focus Group took place on the 19th of May 2015, in GlaxoSmithKline Ware, UK [*]. The meeting was the first of a planned series of disease specific meetings organised by APSGB. It was attended by a number of experts involved with the treatment and development of drugs for the older adult, including clinicians, pharmacists, academics, regulators and representatives from industry. The event created the platform to discuss the provision of medicines for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) from a pharmaceutical sciences perspective. ‘Medications are something you prescribe: something that gives me my life back’ (A PD sufferer)