Going big with δ-cyclodextrin The first scaled-up synthesis of this 9-sugar ring could expand its applications Chemists have a sweet spot for cyclodextrin (CD) rings, cyclic molecules made of glucose sugars linked together like dancers in a Henri Matisse painting. Cyclodextrins have found use as drug delivery agents that encapsulate active pharmaceutical ingredients, as air fresheners that soak up stinky compounds, and as water purification systems that capture and destroy pollutants. Each year, chemical makers churn out thousands of metric tons of the most common ones: six-, seven-, and eight-sugar rings, known as α-, β-, and γ-CD, respectively.

Despite a patent extension, Merck’s muscle relaxant reversal injection is now facing potential generic competition from Hikma Pharmaceuticals, which is seeking the FDA’s approval for a copycat version. Merck in an SEC filing disclosed on Monday that Hikma Pharmaceuticals U.S. is seeking the FDA’s approval for its generic version of the muscle relaxant reversal injection Bridion (sugammadex) prior to the drug’s patent expiration. Hikma notified Merck of its intention on Feb. 5, 2024, according to the SEC filing. The British pharma is making its regulatory request under the Hatch-Waxman Act—also known as the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984—which established the approval pathway for generics.

L-cyclodextrins synthesized in the lab for the first time A team of chemists at Northwestern University has successfully synthesized three L-cyclodextrins in the lab for the first time. In their study, published in the journal Nature Synthesis, the group used a one-pot strategy to achieve the feat.

Molecular light switch speeds up tricky cyclodextrin synthesis Because it is so difficult to make, γ-cyclodextrin is about 10 times more expensive than the six-glucose α-cyclodextrin A light-activated molecular switch could drive down the cost of a useful, but difficult to make γ-cyclodextrin.

What to know about horse chestnut Horse chestnut is a tree that produces spiny-shelled fruits containing seeds, known as conkers. These may have some health benefits, for instance in treating varicose veins and hemorrhoids. However, they may also have adverse effects.