#Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices 2024

[competitionpedia]

Govt releases guidelines to curb unethical pharma sector practices

Stay informed on the Dept. of Pharmaceuticals' new Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices 2024 & guidelines on gifts & benefits to curb unethical conduct.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

William Faulkner, "Never be afraid" :: [(From a speech delivered May 28, 1951 at Fulton Chapel, University of Mississippi)]

* * * *

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

September 25, 2024

Heather Cox Richardson

Sep 26, 2024

In 2004 a senior advisor to President George W. Bush famously told journalist Ron Suskind that people like Suskind lived in “the reality-based community.” They believed people could find solutions to problems through careful study of discernible reality. But, the aide continued, Suskind’s worldview was obsolete. “That’s not the way the world really works anymore,” the aide said. “We are an empire now, and when we act, we create our own reality. And while you’re studying that reality— judiciously, as you will—we’ll act again, creating other new realities, which you can study too, and that’s how things will sort out. We’re history’s actors…and you, all of you, will be left to just study what we do.” 

We appear to be in a moment when the reality-based community is challenging the ability of the MAGA Republicans to create their own reality. 

Central to the worldview of MAGA Republicans is that Democrats are socialists who have destroyed the American economy. Trump calls Harris a “radical-left. Marxist, communist, fascist” and insists the economy is failing. 

In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, today, Harris laid out her three-pillar plan for an “opportunity economy.” She explained that she would lower costs by cutting taxes for the middle class, cutting the red tape that stops housing construction, take on corporate landlords who are hiking rental prices, work with builders and developers to construct 3 million new homes and rentals, and help first-time homebuyers with $25,000 down payment assistance. She also promised to enact a federal ban on corporate price gouging on groceries and to cap prescription drug prices by negotiating with pharmaceutical companies. 

Harris said she plans to invest in innovation by raising the deduction for startup businesses from its current $5,000 to $50,000 and providing low- or no-interest loans to small businesses that want to expand. Her goal is to open the way for 25 million new small businesses in her first four years, noting that small businesses create nearly 50% of private sector jobs in the U.S. 

Harris plans to create manufacturing jobs of the future by investing in biomanufacturing and aerospace, remaining “dominant in AI, quantum computing, blockchain, and other emerging technologies, and expand[ing] our lead in clean energy innovation and manufacturing.” She vowed to see that the next generation of breakthroughs—“from advanced batteries to geothermal to advanced nuclear—are not just invented, but built here in America by American workers.” Investing in these industries means strengthening factory towns, retooling existing factories, hiring locally, and working with unions. She vowed to make jobs available for skilled workers without college degrees and to cut red tape to reform permitting for innovation.

“I am a capitalist,” she said. “I believe in free and fair markets. I believe in consistent and transparent rules of the road to create a stable business environment. And I know the power of American innovation.” She said she would be pragmatic in her approach to the economy, seeking practical solutions to problems and taking good ideas from wherever they come. 

“Kamala Harris, Reagan Democrat!” conservative pundit Bill Kristol posted on social media after her speech. 

For his part, Trump has promised an across-the-board tariff of 10% to 20% that billionaire Mark Cuban on the Fox News Channel called “insane” and Quin Hillyer of the Washington Examiner warned “would almost certainly cause immense price hikes domestically, goad other countries into retaliating, and perhaps set off an international trade war” that could “wreck the economy.” Cuban then told Jake Tapper of CNN that Trump’s promise to impose 10% price controls on credit card interest rates and price caps is “Socialism 101.” 

Yesterday, more than 400 economists and high-ranking U.S. policymakers endorsed Harris, and today, the members of former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley’s presidential leadership teams in Michigan, Iowa, and Vermont announced they would be supporting Harris, in part because of Trump’s economic policies.

While Trump insisted yet again today that “the economy is doing really, really badly,” the stock market closed at a record high today for the fourth day in a row. 

In other economic news, for nine years, Trump has said he will find a cheaper and better way to provide healthcare to Americans than the Affordable Care Act, although on September 10 he admitted he has only the “concepts of a plan.” Today the Treasury Department released statistics showing that 4.2 million small business owners have coverage through the ACA. Losing that protection would impact 618,590 small business owners in Florida, 450,010 in California, 423,790 in Texas, and 168,070 in Georgia.

Trump has made a claim that crime has risen dramatically under President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris central to his campaign rhetoric. The opposite is true. Two days ago, on September 23, the Federal Bureau of Investigation released its official report on crime statistics from 2023 compared with 2022. Those statistics showed that murder and non-negligent manslaughter fell by 11.6%. Rape fell by 9.4%. Aggravated assault fell by 2.8%. Robbery fell by 0.3%. Hate crimes fell by 0.6%. 

Central to the worldview of MAGA Republicans is that immigration weakens a nation and that immigrants increase crime and disease. First Republican vice presidential nominee Ohio senator J.D. Vance and then Trump himself repeatedly advanced the lie that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are eating their neighbors’ pets and bringing disease. 

Clergy members from multiple faiths have asked politicians to stop their lies about Haitian immigrants, and today the leader of Haitian Bridge Alliance, a nonprofit organization that represents the Haitian community, filed a charges against Trump and Vance for disrupting public services, making false alarms, telecommunications harassment, and aggravated menacing and complicity.  

Immediately, Representative Clay Higgins (R-LA), who in the past supported Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke and filmed a selfie inside a gas chamber at Auschwitz, posted on social media: “Lol. These Haitians are wild. Eating pets, vudu, nastiest country in the western hemisphere, cults, slapstick gangsters…but damned if they don’t feel all sophisticated now, filing charges against our President and VP. All these thugs better get their mind right and their *ss out of our country before January 20th.” 

After an outcry, Higgins took the post down. According to House speaker and fellow Louisiana Republican Mike Johnson, who called Higgins a “very principled man,” Higgins took it down after he “prayed about it.” Johnson seemed unconcerned about his colleague’s racism, saying, “we believe in redemption around here.” 

But in a statement, House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) called Higgins’s statement “vile, racist and beneath the dignity of the United States House of Representatives. He must be held accountable for dishonorable conduct that is unbecoming of a Member of Congress. Clay Higgins is an election-denying, conspiracy-peddling racial arsonist who is a disgrace to the People’s House. This is who they have become. Republicans are the party of Donald Trump, Mark Robinson, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Clay Higgins and Project 2025. The extreme MAGA Republicans in the House are unfit to govern.” 

On Monday, Dan Gooding of Newsweek reported that although Trump said on September 18 he would go to Springfield, he will not. Republican Ohio governor Mike DeWine had warned that the local community would not welcome a visit from the former president. 

Republican politicians and candidates, including Trump, embraced North Carolina gubernatorial candidate and current lieutenant governor Mark Robinson, who trumpeted the extremists’ MAGA narrative. The September 19 revelation by CNN reporters Andrew Kaczynski and Em Steck that Robinson had boasted on a pornography website that he considers himself a “black NAZI!”, would like to reinstate slavery, and would like to own some people himself, and shared the sexual kinks in which he engaged with his wife’s sister prompted most of his campaign staff to resign. 

Andrew Egger of The Bulwark reported today that on a different online forum, Robinson called for a political assassination as well as making racist attacks on entertainer Oprah Winfrey and former president Barack Obama. Robinson has called all the information released about him “false smears” and has said “[n]ow is not the time for intra-party squabbling and nonsense,” but declined help tracking down those he claims falsified his online comments. Today, multiple media outlets reported that top staff in Robinson’s government office are stepping down.  

Reality hit hard this week in Texas, too, where U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez yesterday approved the auctioning off of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones’s media business, the aptly-named InfoWars. Jones insisted that the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting  was a “hoax” designed to whip up support for gun restrictions, and that the grieving parents were played by “crisis actors.” Juries found Jones guilty of defaming the families of the murdered children and causing them emotional distress. 

The auction of his property will enable the families to begin to collect on the more than $1 billion the jurors determined Jones owed them for his reprehensible and harmful behavior. 

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

By: Christina Buttons

Published: Dec 11, 2024

In interviews, I’ve often shared how I became a journalist after discovering the stories of detransitioners—stories that deeply resonated with my own struggles with mental health and identity. I’ve been very open about the severe mental health crises I faced in my youth and have frequently alluded to the "bad decisions" I made as a young adult. As my public profile grew, I was prepared for the inevitability that those bad decisions would become known. Now that they have, I want to use this moment to share my story in the hope that it can be instructive and bring attention to an issue I believe is preventing many from recovering from mental illness.

There’s been much speculation about the ongoing youth mental health crisis, particularly about why liberals—especially liberal girls—report the highest rates of mental illness. Some have suggested that locus of control plays a contributing role. Those with an external locus of control, who believe their lives are shaped by forces beyond their control, tend to be less mentally well and lean more liberal. In contrast, those with an internal locus of control, who believe they have agency over their lives, are generally mentally healthier and more likely to align with conservative values.

This idea resonates deeply with me and my own experiences, and I want to expand on it. I believe young people, especially liberals, are constantly bombarded with messages that reinforce an external locus of control. This concept is central to the book I am writing, where I lay out the origins of this mindset and the effect it has on people. A significant contributor is the brain disease model of mental illness. This biomedical model, which portrays mental illness as a medical condition, profoundly shaped my sense of self growing up and, I believe, continues to influence how many young people perceive themselves and their struggles.

The Brain Disease Model of Mental Illness

In the 1980s, psychiatry sought to establish itself as a legitimate branch of scientific medicine by adopting a biomedical model, which framed mental disorders as brain diseases. This approach offered a straightforward explanation: mental illnesses result from biological dysfunctions, such as chemical imbalances, and require medical treatment. One of the most influential narratives born from this model was the serotonin theory of depression, which claimed that depression was caused by low levels of serotonin in the brain.

Endorsed by professional organizations like the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), textbooks, and influential research papers, the brain disease model of mental disorders became a cornerstone of psychiatric practice and public understanding for 40 years. Pharmaceutical companies spent billions on advertising campaigns promoting psychotropic drugs as solutions to chemical imbalances. Public awareness initiatives claimed it would reduce stigma surrounding mental illness. As a result, surveys find that 80–90% of people believe depression is caused by a chemical imbalance.

However, this narrative was built more on marketing than science. Billions of dollars in neuroscience research over decades have failed to uncover clear and convincing evidence for a biological basis for mental disorders. The serotonin theory of depression, in particular, lacked substantial evidence and was debunked in 2022 by a systematic umbrella review. Despite this, there has been no major effort to correct public misconceptions or hold accountable those who promoted this idea without evidence.

The chemical imbalance theory remains the dominant cultural narrative about depression in the United States. Many states are now incorporating mental health education into K-12 curricula, but depending on how this education is conducted, it could cause more harm than good. For example, a Minnesota curriculum for middle and high school students, developed by the pharma-funded advocacy group National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), teaches that mental illnesses are "brain disorders," emphasizing that "Biology, not a character flaw, causes mental illness."

This is a vast oversimplification. While hereditary components and traits like neuroticism may predispose individuals to negative thinking or mental health challenges, they do not determine their fate. Yet, in my recent interviews with young adults in treatment for mental health crises, every one of them described their mental disorder as a chemical imbalance or brain condition. They attributed the actions that led them into treatment to their disorder, viewing it as a lifelong condition, which they lacked control over.

Given the ubiquity of the biomedical model, it should come as no surprise that mental disorders are among the leading causes of disability—costing the U.S. economy upwards of $280 billion annually. As of 2022, over one in five adults in the U.S.—59.3 million people—report a mental illness diagnosis. For adolescents aged 13–18, the rate is even higher, with an estimated 49.5%—nearly one in two—diagnosed.

The lead author of the 2022 systematic umbrella review, Joanna Moncrieff, stated that "telling people they have a brain abnormality, or some physical medical problem, is profoundly disempowering." She is absolutely right. Such messaging undermines a person’s sense of agency and is particularly harmful to young, developing minds.

As a teenager immersed in a mental health system rooted in the biomedical model, I internalized the belief that something was fundamentally wrong with my brain and that I lacked control over my behavior. My story is one of breaking free from the constraints of this medical framework, overcoming the mental health challenges it reinforced, and reclaiming a sense of personal agency over my life.

Tumultuous Teen Years

I received many diagnoses throughout my life, the most recent being Asperger's syndrome at age 30. While I remain skeptical of behaviorally-diagnosed conditions and mindful of confirmation bias, I can see, in hindsight, early signs from childhood that align with the traits ascribed to Asperger's. From a young age, my life was continually punctuated by one all-consuming interest after another. I struggled to make and maintain friendships, and spent most of my time alone and engaging in solitary activities like staring into puddles and overturning rocks to observe small life forms, catching tadpoles, arranging my toys in elaborate setups, and drawing.

I was rigid and found comfort in routines, rewatching the same VHS tapes or listening to the same cassettes on repeat. My eating habits were similarly fixed—I was a very picky eater, choosing the same plain foods every day. I was also particular about textures, always preferring soft, stretchy fabrics. Physically, I was clumsy and uncoordinated, and I was highly sensitive to my environment.

But the real trouble didn't begin until early adolescence, when my family moved to a new city and I started middle school. I was not socially successful and was teased by other kids. The rejection felt monumental, leading me to become increasingly self-critical and withdrawn. The noisy, chaotic areas where kids gathered were overwhelming, so I often sought refuge in teachers’ classrooms during breaks and lunch or found quiet, secluded spots to be alone. 

I began experiencing feelings of body dysmorphia, becoming hyperfocused on my flaws. I wore the same baggy black sweatshirt and stretchy blue jeans every day. I thought I was hideous and hid my face behind a wall of hair. I developed dermatillomania, compulsively picking at my scalp, as a way to self-comfort.

In class, I would repetitively draw the same figures and faces, retreating into a fantasy world—first Sailor Moon, then The Legend of Zelda, then Lord of the Rings��to escape from reality. Sometimes, I became so overwhelmed that I would get up and walk out of class, only to be sent to the counselor’s office. They recommended to my parents that I see a therapist. After school, I would go straight to my room and draw the curtains. I spent countless hours on the computer, teaching myself to code and designing websites dedicated to whatever my current interest was.

In 2002, when I was 13, my 7-year-old neighbor Danielle van Dam was raped and killed by our 49-year-old neighbor, David Westerfield. It was a big event in our community, and it deeply affected me. I followed the trial closely and collected the newspaper clippings about the case. I developed insomnia and obsessive-compulsive habits: walking around the house at night, checking the locks over and over, and washing my hands until they were raw. 

Entering highschool, my mental health further plummeted and my relationship with my parents deteriorated. I was 14 when I started carving up my body with knives and razor blades. My outward appearance started to reflect my darker inner world; I dyed my hair red and wore heavy eyeliner. I became anorexic, and at 5’8”, my lowest weight was under 100 pounds. My biceps showed brown discoloration from muscle wasting. I began feeling like it would be better if I died.

It was during a visit to the psychiatrist in 2003 that I received a diagnosis of major depressive disorder after a brief meeting reviewing a checklist of symptoms. This was the first time I heard depression described as a "chemical imbalance" in my brain. This explanation made me feel hopeless, as it implied that my brain was somehow defective—I was born with this condition, and had no power to change it. During that appointment, I made a long slice down my arm in the bathroom with a razor blade, resulting in an emergency room visit and my first stay in a psychiatric hospital.

In 2004, I was caught in a cycle of crises, repeatedly accessing emergency rooms, psychiatric hospitals, outpatient programs, and group homes. I received numerous diagnoses from different psychiatrists and was prescribed a range of high-dose psychotropic medications—including one that caused a life-threatening rash and another that required regular EKGs.

At every step, the idea that mental illness was a brain disease I suffered from, and would have for the rest of my life, was reinforced. The lexicon of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) shaped my worldview, and I became preoccupied with finding the "correct" diagnosis so that I could better understand myself. The way the adults in my life referred to me as "sick" and "mentally ill" and described my behavior as "out of control" influenced my self-perception, and I took on the role of a sick person. 

Due to my extensive absences from high school, I had an Individualized Education Program (IEP). As part of the evaluation process, they conducted psychological testing and classroom observations. The evaluator’s notes documented my monotone voice, "limited eye contact," "flat affect," instances of "stumbling while walking and almost falling," and that “test results indicate a large number of atypical perceptual experiences.” They also noted "social immaturity," "significant inflexibility in her thinking," "difficulty identifying feelings," "tendency to express emotions indirectly and impulsively," and that “when the teacher used humor in the classroom, Christina did not smile or appear to respond in the same manner as her peers.” 

I also received a near-perfect score on Raven’s Progressive Matrices, a nonverbal intelligence test that measures an individual’s ability to identify patterns—a result I later learned is common among individuals with Asperger’s. However, Asperger’s was largely viewed as a "boys' disorder" at the time and was not considered in my case. Instead, my IEP labeled my disability as “Emotionally Disturbed.”

As my behavior escalated and became increasingly risky, I began seeking out drugs and alcohol. Things took a drastic turn for the worse when an internet predator found me on Myspace and began grooming me. He was 47, and I was only 15. He had deceived me, and when I met him in person, he raped me. The emotional pain was so unbearable afterwards that I tried to hang myself.

From the emergency room, I was placed in another psychiatric hospital—but this time there was no going home afterward. It became clear to my parents that I needed a higher level of care than they could provide. After running away from two lower-security residential treatment facilities, flunking out of a wilderness program in Idaho, and several more psychiatric hospital stays, I arrived at my final destination: a lockdown psychiatric residential treatment center in Utah called Provo Canyon School, where I would live for a year.

While other kids were getting their learner’s permits, celebrating their sweet sixteens, and attending school dances, I was in treatment. It was an intense, highly structured behavior modification program with a level system I had to work through to achieve a high status. It wasn’t easy or enjoyable, but it was effective in helping me break free from the cycle of crisis so that I could safely return home. (This type of treatment is in decline—a topic I’m passionate about and have several upcoming articles addressing.)

As for my rapist, he served less than six months in jail. This type of crime carried lighter penalties 20 years ago. I later learned that he reoffended four years later with another underage girl. He's still on the sex offender registry.

Young Adulthood

Things were stable at home for a while, and I managed to complete my GED at 17, but my relationship with my parents remained strained. By 19, living at home was no longer an option, and I found myself on my own. A friend’s family offered me a temporary place to stay, but I didn't want to be a burden on them, so I quickly moved in with a boyfriend I had just met.

We had a roommate who eventually moved out, leaving me needing additional income to cover expenses. I began doing photoshoots, which were initially clothed. However, after I was let go from my job as a nanny, the shoots progressed to unclothed. My boyfriend at the time, who had stopped working, either encouraged it or didn’t discourage it. This period is difficult to recall, as I’ve tried hard to forget it.

When the relationship ended, he left the country, abandoning me with significant debt, unpaid rent, and lease-breaking fees from our apartment. Our former roommate, who was also on the lease, was forced to cover the apartment fees to protect her credit and threatened legal action against me, leaving me desperate to find money quickly.

I eventually agreed to meet with a representative from an agency that had been hounding me, which led to my decision to make adult films to pay off my debt. At the time, and for several months thereafter, I believed I had bipolar disorder. However, I later realized that the instability I felt stemmed from other factors, including heavy drinking. My behavior mirrored my sense of self-worth—I saw myself as a mentally ill, degenerate loser, and I acted accordingly.

I was purely in survival mode, with no one to call for help and without the kind of stability one typically needs to think about the future and consider how my choices would impact me later in life. I was also very naive, believing that the content would remain on obscure, paywalled websites, unaware that free porn sites were beginning to dominate the internet.

While I don’t judge others who have chosen to do sex work, I would strongly discourage anyone considering it, as my own experience was traumatic and soul-crushing. I decided to work with an agency because I thought it would be safer, but my last assignment proved otherwise. They sent me to a hotel room with a man with a camera who choked me, hurt me, and ignored my cries and pleas to stop. Even after that, the agency relentlessly pressured me to continue, but I was done. In three and a half weeks, I had made enough to pay off my debt. How the owners chose to distribute, repackage, and republish the content at later dates and under multiple titles was entirely beyond my control.

Getting Better

Afterwards, I worked as a freelance graphic artist, but I was still directionless, turning to dangerous combinations of drugs and alcohol. That changed when I was 22 and began working for an employer whose family became a surrogate family to me. He believed in me, saw potential I couldn’t see in myself, and encouraged me to go back to school. For the first time, someone expected more from me—he didn’t treat me like I was a sick person or try to take advantage of me.

He introduced me to science, which quickly became my all-consuming passion. He gave me books on skepticism and debunking pseudoscience, which I devoured, and we watched debates on atheism that taught me about argumentation and logical fallacies.

I used to feel like a passive witness to my own life, watching myself make one bad decision after another, driven by emotions and impulses I couldn’t control due to my underlying mental illness. I had never been taught to think critically or base my beliefs on evidence, like a scientist. Learning how to think critically—and applying those techniques to myself—was the turning point when everything began to change.

There’s a meme I like that says, “Anxiety is just conspiracy theories about yourself.” The key is learning to debunk those conspiracy theories and spot the logical fallacies in your own thinking. This mindset shift helped me immensely. I also discovered Stoic philosophy, which taught me that I could choose not to react to emotional triggers and that no one could disturb my inner peace unless I allowed it—something I wasn't even aware was possible.

I believe many mental health challenges stem from the belief that we lack control over our thoughts and emotions. The truth is, you can train your brain. The mind is like a muscle; just as you wouldn’t expect to transform your body in a single day at the gym, strengthening your mind takes consistent effort and hard work. If you stick with it, you get stronger every day.

Challenging my negative self-talk was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. After over a decade of habitual self-criticism, catastrophizing, and black-and-white thinking, breaking those thought patterns felt almost insurmountable. But this process—essentially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in practice—was transformative. While a therapist trained in CBT can offer valuable guidance, real progress comes from consistently applying these strategies in your everyday life.

Through this work, I developed an internal locus of control and a sense of agency that had been missing for most of my life. For the first time, I no longer saw myself as mentally ill and destined for a life of failure: I felt like I was truly in charge of my thoughts, my actions, and my future.

Aftermath

I eventually reconnected with my family, and we’re very close now. While making friends became somewhat easier as I got older, maintaining those friendships remained a challenge. Throughout my twenties and early thirties, I still struggled with identity issues, which led to a somewhat unconventional life as I searched for direction. I moved frequently, even living in Switzerland at one point, changed my college major several times, changed my appearance often, worked as a caregiver for special needs children and adults, tagged along on tour with Alice Cooper, illustrated children’s books, and became a social justice meme-maker for a short time before undergoing a political realignment.

Clarity came at age 30, when I was assessed for and diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. This often presents differently in girls and can go undetected, as comorbidities tend to emerge around puberty, shifting the focus away from the underlying condition.

Hypersensitivity to light and sound, social difficulties, obsessive interests, repetitive behaviors, struggles with abstract thinking and executive functioning, auditory processing challenges, food intolerances, motor-balance issues, and possibly even the cerebellum abnormalities revealed in my MRI all finally seemed to fit into a cohesive narrative. However, I am now cautious not to let any diagnosis define my identity. Instead, I focus on accommodating myself to better manage the associated symptoms so that they don't interfere with the life I want.

Even after this revelation, my life still lacked purpose. It was only in recent years, after becoming a journalist, that I truly felt like I had found my calling. Journalism has given me a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. It’s an exciting career that allows me to leverage my strengths in research and writing, along with traits like hyper-focus, an obsessive drive to deeply understand topics, attention to detail, and the ability to work long hours without fatigue. It’s a profession where I can pursue my love of learning while helping others stay informed.

In my work with detransitioners, I conducted a survey revealing 85.7% reported that their healthcare providers, including doctors and therapists, described being transgender as a biological characteristic beyond their control—a medical condition necessitating treatment. Additionally, 49.2% recalled providers framing their transgender identity as a brain condition, using the phrase "male brain in a female body" and vice versa. This framing drew striking parallels to my own experience with the brain disease model of mental illness. Both present psychiatric conditions as innate and immutable traits, profoundly shaping young people's self-perception and undermining their sense of personal agency.

Learning about the history of psychiatry, combined with my personal experience, and the experiences of detransitioners, has really shaken my faith in the field, leading me to wonder if it deserves the outsized trust we place in it.

Diagnostic categories within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) reflect the opinions of appointed experts rather than being grounded in consistently replicated scientific research. Psychiatric diagnoses are often unreliable because they are based on subjective criteria, such as self-reports from patients, behavioral observations, and clinician interpretation, all of which are susceptible to bias and error. Recent research has highlighted a significant amount of overlap within DSM-defined disorder categories, leading some researchers to conclude that psychiatric diagnosis is "scientifically meaningless." 

And yet, the DSM has become a globalizing force, spreading predominantly Western concepts of mental health to other cultures, often driven by the interests of pharmaceutical companies and professional organizations. This has contributed to the rise of diagnostic fads and diagnostic inflation, where increasingly broad criteria pathologize human behavior, labeling it as mental disorders. 

We have to consider how the DSM serves as a powerful cultural script, and influences how we express and communicate our distress. While there is some utility in classifying mental and emotional distress, diagnoses are often misunderstood as the cause of a person’s struggles, leading many to define themselves by these labels. This can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, where belief in a diagnosis influences the manifestation of symptoms—even when the diagnosis is incorrect.

We need to step back from the brain disease model of mental illness and rethink how we understand life’s difficulties. Unwanted thoughts and emotions are not simply the result of abnormal brain chemistry requiring chemical correction. In many cases, they can be changed with effort and persistence—but that process begins by rejecting the idea that you lack the power to make those changes.

Mental illness should not be viewed as a permanent condition or a defining aspect of one's identity. Instead, it should be seen as something to work toward overcoming—to the extent it is possible. This perspective may not apply uniformly to all conditions, such as psychotic disorders, but in most cases, recovery even from serious mental illness is attainable. Believe you are sick, and you will be sick; believe you can get better, and you can.

[wolfliving]

Strange Chinese trade-war recommendations at US Congress

COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF THE COMMISSION’S 2024 RECOMMENDATIONS Part II: Technology and Consumer Product Opportunities and Risks Chapter 3: U.S.-China Competition in Emerging Technologies The Commission recommends:

Congress establish and fund a Manhattan Project-like program dedicated to racing to and acquiring an Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) capability. AGI is generally defined as systems that are as good as or better than human capabilities across all cognitive domains and would surpass the sharpest human minds at every task. Among the specific actions the Commission recommends for Congress:

Provide broad multiyear contracting authority to the executive branch and associated funding for leading artificial intelligence, cloud, and data center companies and others to advance the stated policy at a pace and scale consistent with the goal of U.S. AGI leadership; and

Direct the U.S. secretary of defense to provide a Defense Priorities and Allocations System “DX Rating” to items in the artificial intelligence ecosystem to ensure this project receives national priority.

Congress consider legislation to:

Require prior approval and ongoing oversight of Chinese involvement in biotechnology companies engaged in operations in the United States, including research or other related transactions. Such approval and oversight operations shall be conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in consultation with other appropriate governmental entities. In identifying the involvement of Chinese entities or interests in the U.S. biotechnology sector, Congress should include firms and persons: ○ Engaged in genomic research; ○ Evaluating and/or reporting on genetic data, including for medical or therapeutic purposes or ancestral documentation; ○ Participating in pharmaceutical development; ○ Involved with U.S. colleges and universities; and ○ Involved with federal, state, or local governments or agen cies and departments.

Support significant Federal Government investments in biotechnology in the United States and with U.S. entities at every level of the technology development cycle and supply chain, from basic research through product development and market deployment, including investments in intermediate services capacity and equipment manufacturing capacity.

To protect U.S. economic and national security interests, Congress consider legislation to restrict or ban the importation of certain technologies and services controlled by Chinese entities, including:

Autonomous humanoid robots with advanced capabilities of (i) dexterity, (ii) locomotion, and (iii) intelligence; and

Energy infrastructure products that involve remote servicing, maintenance, or monitoring capabilities, such as load balancing and other batteries supporting the electrical grid, batteries used as backup systems for industrial facilities and/ or critical infrastructure, and transformers and associated equipment.

Congress encourage the Administration’s ongoing rulemaking efforts regarding “connected vehicles” to cover industrial machinery, Internet of Things devices, appliances, and other connected devices produced by Chinese entities or including Chinese technologies that can be accessed, serviced, maintained, or updated remotely or through physical updates.

Congress enact legislation prohibiting granting seats on boards of directors and information rights to China-based investors in strategic technology sectors. Allowing foreign investors to hold seats and observer seats on the boards of U.S. technology start-ups provides them with sensitive strategic information, which could be leveraged to gain competitive advantages. Prohibiting this practice would protect intellectual property and ensure that U.S. technological advances are not compromised. It would also reduce the risk of corporate espionage, safeguarding America’s leadership in emerging technologies.

Congress establish that:

The U.S. government will unilaterally or with key interna- tional partners seek to vertically integrate in the develop- ment and commercialization of quantum technology.

Federal Government investments in quantum technology support every level of the technology development cycle and supply chain from basic research through product development and market deployment, including investments in intermediate services capacity.

The Office of Science and Technology Policy, in consultation with appropriate agencies and experts, develop a Quantum Technology Supply Chain Roadmap to ensure that the United States coordinates outbound investment, U.S. critical supply chain assessments, the activities of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), and federally supported research activities to ensure that the United States, along with key allies and partners, will lead in this critical technology and not advance Chinese capabilities and development....

[darkmaga-returns]

Once you know the history of Allopathic Medicine, you'll never see the medical world quite the same way again. Rationally speaking, we have much to do to Make America Health Again. Feel free to repost

James Lyons-Weiler

Dec 05, 2024

Founding Fraudsters: Prominent Founding Figures with Ties to Questionable Medical Practices

The late 19th and early 20th centuries represent a pivotal moment in the history of medicine. This era witnessed the rise of professional healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, yet it also bore the imprint of practices today deemed unscientific or outright fraudulent. Many key figures in this transformative period straddled the divide between groundbreaking advancements and methods that echoed the quackery of their time.

William Radam, a German immigrant to the United States, became a prominent yet controversial figure with his creation of "Radam's Microbe Killer." Radam claimed his solution could destroy all disease-causing microbes in the body, an assertion supported by fervent advertising campaigns. The product, a mixture of water, sulfuric acid, and red wine, was ineffective and potentially harmful. Yet, Radam’s marketing mastery—emphasizing dramatic claims of universal cures—foreshadowed the branding strategies that pharmaceutical companies would later refine, prioritizing trust and appeal over scientific evidence.

Similarly, Benjamin Brandreth, a New York-based entrepreneur, capitalized on public gullibility with his "Vegetable Universal Pills." Brandreth promised that these pills, composed primarily of cayenne pepper and other innocuous ingredients, could purify the blood and cure myriad ailments. Despite their lack of medical efficacy, the pills became a household staple, and Brandreth amassed a fortune. His success illustrated not only the public’s willingness to embrace unverified remedies but also the power of colorful, engaging advertising—a practice that became a cornerstone of pharmaceutical promotion.

[marketingreportz]

Zero Liquid Discharge Systems Market - Forecast(2025 - 2031)

Key Drivers:

Request Sample Report :

Environmental Regulations: Stricter environmental regulations are compelling industries to adopt ZLD systems to minimize wastewater discharge.

Water Scarcity: The increasing scarcity of freshwater resources is prompting industries to recycle and reuse water, making ZLD systems essential.

Industrial Expansion: Rapid industrialization, especially in emerging economies, is driving the demand for efficient water treatment solutions.

Regional Insights:

Asia-Pacific: This region is expected to witness substantial growth due to rapid industrialization and stringent environmental regulations.

North America and Europe: These regions are also significant contributors to the market, driven by advanced industrial sectors and environmental policies.

Inquiry Before Buying:

Market Trends:

Technological Advancements: Ongoing innovations in ZLD technologies are enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs.

Hybrid Systems: The adoption of hybrid ZLD systems, combining multiple treatment technologies, is gaining popularity for their effectiveness and cost-efficiency.

In summary, the Zero Liquid Discharge systems market is poised for substantial growth, driven by environmental imperatives and industrial needs for sustainable water management solutions.

Key Highlights of the Zero Liquid Discharge Systems Market:

Growing Demand for Sustainable Water Management: As the world faces increasing water scarcity and stricter environmental regulations, industries are under pressure to adopt more sustainable practices. ZLD systems allow companies to recycle water and prevent harmful liquid waste from polluting natural water sources.

Technological Advancements: The ZLD systems market is undergoing continuous innovation. Newer technologies like membrane filtration, evaporation technologies, and advanced filtration processes are improving the efficiency of ZLD systems. These innovations aim to lower energy consumption, reduce operational costs, and increase water recovery rates.

Market Size and Growth: According to various market research reports, the global ZLD systems market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years:

From USD 7.80 billion in 2024, the market is projected to reach USD 11.48 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 8.0%.

Some estimates even suggest the market could hit USD 15.25 billion by 2032.

Schedule A Call :

Industry Adoption: Industries that consume and discharge significant amounts of water, such as the pharmaceutical, textile, and chemical industries, are increasingly turning to ZLD solutions to mitigate environmental risks. The system ensures that almost 100% of the wastewater is treated, reused, or safely disposed of, without any discharge.

Regional Growth: The Asia-Pacific region, with its rapid industrialization and strict environmental regulations, is expected to witness the highest growth in the ZLD market. North America and Europe will also continue to be key markets due to their advanced industrial sectors and the growing emphasis on sustainability and water conservation.

Key Market Players: Leading players in the market include Aquatech International, Veolia North America, SUEZ, IDE Technologies, and Nalco Water. These companies offer innovative solutions to industries, ensuring high-quality water treatment and compliance with environmental standards.

Challenges: Despite its benefits, ZLD systems come with high capital and operational costs, which could be a barrier for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, the high energy consumption involved in the evaporation and filtration processes remains a challenge.

Buy Now :

Market Trends and Future Outlook:

Hybrid ZLD Systems: The integration of hybrid systems combining different water treatment technologies is gaining popularity. These systems are often more cost-effective and energy-efficient than traditional methods.

Digitalization in ZLD Systems: The use of real-time monitoring and data analytics is becoming more common in ZLD operations, helping to optimize performance and reduce maintenance costs.

Government Initiatives: Governments around the world are offering incentives and setting stricter regulations on wastewater treatment, which is likely to drive the adoption of ZLD systems.

In conclusion, the ZLD systems market is experiencing substantial growth, driven by the dual factors of environmental regulations and the increasing need for efficient water recycling solutions. As industries continue to look for ways to minimize their environmental impact, ZLD technologies will play a crucial role in fostering sustainability and water conservation.

If you are interested in exploring more about ZLD systems, their technology, and their applications in specific industries, you can follow related blogs and market reports. The market is expected to remain robust with the growing need for innovative solutions for waste management and water sustainability.

For more Automation and Instrumentation Market reports, please click here

[savibangar]

Refrigerants Market to be Worth $10.5 billion by 2031

Meticulous Research®, a leading global market research firm, has released a report titled "Refrigerants Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast (2024-2031)." This report forecasts that the refrigerants market will reach $10.5 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2024 to 2031.

Download Research Report Sample @  https://www.meticulousresearch.com/download-sample-report/cp_id=6011

Key drivers of this market growth include the widespread adoption of air conditioning and refrigeration in commercial settings, as well as increasing regulatory and environmental initiatives promoting sustainable refrigerants. However, challenges such as the flammability and toxicity of certain refrigerants could hinder growth.

Additionally, the rising demand for refrigeration solutions in the pharmaceutical industry and the need for refrigerants in automotive HVAC systems present significant opportunities for market participants. Nonetheless, elevated operational costs remain a challenge. Current trends include a growing preference for natural refrigerants, an increase in green building certifications, and the adoption of sustainable construction practices.

Key Players:

The refrigerants market is moderately competitive, featuring numerous large and small players globally, regionally, and locally. Notable companies include Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.), Daikin Industries, Ltd. (Japan), Linde plc (Ireland), Air Liquide S.A. (France), A‑Gas International Limited (U.K.), The Chemours Company (U.S.), Tazzetti S.p.A. (Italy), AGC Inc. (Japan), DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (U.S.), Arkema Group (France), Dongyue Group Limited (China), Sinochem Group Co., Ltd. (China), SRF Limited (India), Gujarat Fluorochemicals Limited (India), and Engas Pty Ltd (Australia).

The report segments the refrigerants market by type, application, and end user, and provides a competitive analysis at regional and country levels.

Among the types analyzed, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are projected to dominate the market with a 29.0% share in 2024. Their ease of integration into existing refrigeration and HVAC systems, along with their growing use to mitigate fire risks compared to alternatives, drives this segment's prominence.

Browse in depth @  https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/refrigerants-market-6011

In terms of applications, the refrigeration segment is expected to hold a 34.0% market share in 2024, fueled by the demand for refrigerants with lower global warming potential (GWP), which reduces environmental impact. Their lower toxicity and flammability also enhance safety in refrigeration systems.

For end users, the industrial sector is anticipated to dominate with a 35.0% share in 2024. The increasing application of refrigerants for temperature control in industries like food processing, chemical manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals, as well as the need to preserve product quality and reduce waste, support this segment’s leading position.

The report provides a thorough analysis of key regions, including North America (U.S., Canada), Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and others), Asia-Pacific (Japan, China, India, South Korea, Singapore, Australia & New Zealand, Indonesia, and others), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others), and the Middle East & Africa (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and others).

Among these regions, Asia-Pacific is expected to hold the largest market share of 42.0% in 2024. Factors contributing to this include the rising adoption of residential air conditioning, large-scale industrial refrigeration, significant R&D investments in high-performance, environmentally compliant refrigerants, and the growing demand for specialty refrigerants in automotive HVAC systems.

Request Customization Report @ https://www.meticulousresearch.com/request-customization/cp_id=6011

[navyasri1]

Stem Cell Therapies Market - Forecast(2024 - 2030)

The Stem Cell Therapies Market size is estimated to reach $833 Million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 16.50% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

Stem-cell therapy medical practice which is used to treat or prevent a disease or condition using stem cells. Recent inventions and R&D activities have shown that stem cells have tremendous promise to help us understand and treat a range of diseases, injuries and other health-related conditions. Globally increasing R&D activities and growing interest of the major pharmaceutical players in stem cell therapy is expected to drive the demand during the period of study.

[global-research-report]

U.S. Sterilization Services Industry: Growth Drivers and Challenges

The U.S. sterilization services market size is expected to reach USD 2.71 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 10.9% from 2024 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. It encompasses a range of activities and solutions aimed at ensuring the sterility of medical devices, equipment, and other products.

Technological advancements in sterilization methods have spurred market growth by introducing more efficient and effective solutions. These innovations include low-temperature plasma sterilization, advanced chemical sterilants, and ethylene oxide gas methods that are more effective and less harmful to sensitive medical instruments.

Regulatory bodies such as the FDA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) impose strict guidelines regarding sterilization practices in healthcare settings. For instance, in November 2023, STERIS’ applied sterilization technologies were accepted into the FDA’s radiation sterilization master file pilot program, marking a significant advancement in their sterilization processes.

U.S. Sterilization Services Market Report Highlights

Based on service type, the contract sterilization services segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 70.29% in 2023. As healthcare providers and manufacturers seek to ensure the safety and efficacy of medical devices and pharmaceuticals without the burden of maintaining in-house sterilization capabilities, thus contract sterilization services have become an attractive option.

Based on delivery mode, the offsite segment dominated the market in 2023, accounting for 67.69% of revenue in 2023, driven by factors such as the increasing demand for cost-effective sterilization solutions, the rising adoption of contract sterilization services, and advancements in sterilization technologies. 

U.S. Sterilization Services Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the U.S. sterilization services market based on services type and delivery mode:

U.S. Sterilization Services Service Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Contract Sterilization Services

Validation Sterilization Services

U.S. Sterilization Services Delivery Mode Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Offsite

Onsite

Order a free sample PDF of the U.S. Sterilization Services Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

[credenceresearchdotblog]

The global Plastic Pallets Market is projected to grow from USD 7,924.67 million in 2023 to USD 13,219.01 million by 2032, registering a CAGR of 5.85% during the forecast period.The global Plastic Pallets Market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the rising demand for sustainable and efficient material handling solutions across various industries. Plastic pallets have become an essential component in supply chain operations, offering durability, reusability, and superior hygiene compared to traditional wooden pallets.

Browse the full report at https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/plastic-pallets-market

Market Overview and Growth Drivers

The plastic pallets market is projected to grow significantly, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 5% during the forecast period (2024–2032). The global shift towards sustainable logistics practices and stringent hygiene regulations, particularly in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors, are among the primary growth drivers. Unlike wooden pallets, plastic pallets are resistant to moisture, insects, and bacteria, making them a preferred choice in environments where contamination control is critical.

Additionally, industries are increasingly adopting returnable and reusable packaging solutions to reduce operational costs and minimize environmental impact. The durability and lightweight properties of plastic pallets make them ideal for repeated use, contributing to their popularity in sectors like automotive, retail, and manufacturing. Furthermore, technological advancements, such as the integration of RFID tags in pallets for tracking and inventory management, are further propelling the market growth.

Key Trends Shaping the Market

Sustainability Initiatives As environmental concerns grow, businesses are prioritizing eco-friendly solutions. Recycled plastic pallets, which are both cost-effective and sustainable, are gaining traction. These pallets are made from post-consumer or industrial waste, reducing the demand for virgin plastic and supporting circular economy practices.

Customization and Innovation Manufacturers are introducing customized pallets tailored to specific industry needs. For instance, pallets designed for automated warehouse systems ensure compatibility with robotic handling equipment. Similarly, stackable and nestable designs optimize storage and transport efficiency.

Digital Transformation Smart pallets equipped with IoT-enabled tracking devices are becoming a market trend. These devices provide real-time data on location, temperature, and load conditions, enhancing supply chain transparency and operational efficiency.

Growth in E-commerce The rapid expansion of the e-commerce sector has led to a surge in demand for efficient and lightweight pallets for fast and secure delivery. Plastic pallets are increasingly used in warehouses and distribution centers due to their ability to withstand heavy loads and automated processes.

Challenges in the Plastic Pallets Market

Despite its advantages, the plastic pallets market faces certain challenges. The high initial cost compared to wooden pallets remains a barrier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Furthermore, the environmental impact of non-recyclable plastic pallets poses a concern, prompting regulatory bodies to enforce stricter guidelines on plastic usage. Manufacturers are addressing these issues by investing in advanced recycling technologies and developing biodegradable alternatives.

Key Player Analysis

Brambles Limited

Schoeller Allibert

Loscam

ORBIS Corporation

Craemer Group

CABKA Group

Greystone Logistics

Rehrig Pacific Company

Buckhorn Inc.

Plastic Pallet & Container, Inc.

TranPak Inc.

IPL Inc.

Material Handling Systems, Inc.

Litco International, Inc.

Premier Handling Solutions

Beecraft UK Ltd.

Cherry’s Industrial Equipment Corp.

TranPak (Australia) Pty Ltd.

PalletOne, Inc.

PDQ Plastics, Inc.

Segments:

Based on Type:

Nestable

Rackable

Stackable

Others

Based on Application:

Food & Beverages

Chemicals

Pharmaceuticals

Petroleum & Lubricants

Others

Based on Material:

High-Density Polyethylene

Low-Density Polyethylene

Polypropylene (PP)

Others

Based on the Geography:

North America

U.S.

Canada

Mexico

Europe

UK

France

Germany

Italy

Spain

Russia

Belgium

Netherlands

Austria

Sweden

Poland

Denmark

Switzerland

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China

Japan

South Korea

India

Australia

Thailand

Indonesia

Vietnam

Malaysia

Philippines

Taiwan

Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

Brazil

Argentina

Peru

Chile

Colombia

Rest of Latin America

Middle East

UAE

KSA

Israel

Turkey

Iran

Rest of Middle East

Africa

Egypt

Nigeria

Algeria

Morocco

Rest of Africa

Browse the full report at https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/plastic-pallets-market

Contact:

Credence Research

Please contact us at +91 6232 49 3207

Email: sales@credenceresearch.com

[happilygreatninja]

Why Every Center Requirements an IBC Tote Mixer: Enhancing Quality and Consistency

Introduction

In today's hectic commercial landscape, keeping quality and consistency in items is paramount. Whether you remain in the food and beverage sector, pharmaceuticals, or any manufacturing market, the value of efficient mixing can not be overemphasized. One tool that has reinvented this process is the IBC tote mixer As we look into the essential reasons every facility needs an IBC tote mixer, we'll explore how it boosts quality and consistency in operations.

Why Every Facility Requirements an IBC Tote Mixer: Enhancing Quality and Consistency

An IBC lug mixer is designed specifically to mix big amounts of liquids or slurries saved in Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs). The need for such a gadget arises from several important elements:

Uniformity of Mixtures: In time, elements can settle or separate within storage containers. An IBC tote mixer ensures a homogenous mix, reducing item variability.

Efficiency: Mixing big volumes manually can be labor-intensive and lengthy. With an automated blending option like a tote mixer, facilities can simplify operations.

Quality Control: Consistent product output results in better quality control, decreasing waste and making sure customer satisfaction.

Versatility: IBC mixers are adaptable to various markets, making them suitable for different applications-- from chemicals to food products.

Cost-Effective: By enhancing blending performance, businesses can save money on product costs and decrease the possibility of rework due to inconsistencies.

Improved Safety: Automated mixing decreases manual handling of products, minimizing dangers connected with spills or accidents.

With these advantages in mind, let's further check out the advantages of having an IBC tote mixer in your facility.

Understanding the Parts of an IBC Tote Mixer What is an IBC?

Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) are big containers normally utilized for keeping bulk liquids or granulated compounds. They can be found in different sizes-- typically varying from 275 gallons to 330 gallons-- and are designed for transportation and storage efficiency.

Key Functions of an IBC Carry Mixer

An efficient IBC lug mixer will have several essential features: https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/12/16/tmt-newswire/globenewswire/evenmix-unveils-comprehensive-step-by-step-guide-to-install-drum-bung/2022646

Powerful Motor: Makes sure adequate torque to mix even the most viscous materials. Variable Speed Controls: Permits operators to change speeds based upon product needs. Durable Construction: Made from products resistant to rust and wear. Safety Features: Emergency shut-off switches and protective guards are vital for safe operation. Types of Mixers Used with IBCs Drum Mixers Designed particularly for 55-gallon drums. Good for smaller sized batches but less efficient than carry mixers for larger volumes. Larger Tank Mixers Suitable for very large amounts but not always practical for standard IBC sizes. Port

[darkmaga-returns]

Pharma's Crippling Addiction and How to Cure it

NE - Naked Emperor Newsletter

Dec 04, 2024

Remember to add your book recommendations in the comments below.

Today’s book is:

Find It, File It, Flog It: Pharma's Crippling Addiction and How to Cure it by Hedley Rees

There are numerous books on the market that skewer Big Pharma, but they really only scratch the surface of a deep-seated affliction.

Find It, File It, Flog It: Big Pharma’s Crippling Addiction and How to Cure It examines an industry model that has not changed since the 1950s and offers practicable solutions for transforming it.

Author and supply chain management consultant Hedley G. Rees has firsthand experience with the industry. In an engaging style that speaks to a wide audience, he explains how pharmaceutical companies are addicted to the big profits that come from rushing drugs through the regulatory pipeline, aggressively marketing them—and gambling with people’s lives.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Providing facts, personal opinions, and the voices of expert witnesses for a broader perspective, Find It, File It, Flog It seeks to put patients—the ultimate beneficiaries of modern medicine—back in control of their destinies.

You can buy the book here (Amazon link).

[chemanalystdata]

Monochloroacetic Acid Prices: Trends and Market Outlook

Monochloroacetic Acid (MCA) is a crucial chemical compound used in a wide array of industrial applications, including the production of agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. It plays a pivotal role in manufacturing derivatives such as glycine, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and thioglycolic acid, which are vital in various sectors. The price of monochloroacetic acid is influenced by a multitude of factors, ranging from raw material costs to demand fluctuations in key industries. This article explores the current trends in monochloroacetic acid prices, the factors affecting them, and the market outlook.

Price Trends

Monochloroacetic acid prices have experienced fluctuations over the past few years, primarily due to supply-demand imbalances, production costs, and environmental regulations. As of late 2024, the prices for MCA have seen an upward trend in certain regions, particularly in North America and Europe. This increase can be attributed to the rising demand for MCA derivatives such as CMC in the food, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries, which has bolstered the demand for MCA itself.

In Asia-Pacific, which remains a major production hub for MCA, prices have been somewhat stable. However, the region's market is facing its own set of challenges, including raw material cost hikes and regulatory concerns regarding environmental impacts from chemical production. As the global market remains interconnected, any supply chain disruptions in these regions can ripple through to other parts of the world, influencing global pricing trends.

Get Real time Prices for Monochloroacetic Acid (MCA): https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/monochloroacetic-acid-1156

Key Factors Affecting MCA Prices

Raw Material Costs: The primary raw materials for producing monochloroacetic acid are chloroform and acetic acid. Fluctuations in the prices of these inputs, especially due to supply shortages or production disruptions, can significantly impact the overall cost of MCA. Any price increases in chloroform, a derivative of natural gas, can drive MCA prices higher, especially in regions that rely on imported raw materials.

Demand in End-Use Industries: The demand for MCA is heavily influenced by key end-use sectors. The agrochemical industry, for example, uses MCA in the synthesis of herbicides and pesticides. As the global population grows and agricultural demands rise, the demand for MCA increases. Similarly, the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries drive the need for MCA in the production of specialty chemicals and personal care products. Economic growth in emerging markets and increased consumer spending on healthcare and personal care products are expected to further fuel MCA demand.

Environmental Regulations: Manufacturing processes for monochloroacetic acid have significant environmental implications due to the release of toxic by-products. As governments worldwide tighten environmental regulations and encourage sustainable production methods, MCA producers may face higher operational costs. Compliance with stringent regulations can lead to higher prices as manufacturers invest in cleaner technologies and practices.

Supply Chain Disruptions: Natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, and pandemics can disrupt the supply chain, causing volatility in raw material availability and transportation. For instance, recent global disruptions have led to freight delays, impacting production timelines and contributing to temporary price hikes.

Competition from Alternatives: The market for MCA is also impacted by the development of alternative chemicals and more efficient production methods. The introduction of cost-effective substitutes in some MCA applications could lead to price stabilization or declines over time. However, as of now, no significant alternatives have emerged to displace MCA in critical applications.

Market Outlook

Looking ahead, the monochloroacetic acid market is expected to witness moderate growth, driven by increasing industrial demand and innovations in production techniques. However, price volatility will likely persist due to fluctuating raw material costs, regulatory pressure, and supply chain challenges. Manufacturers who can adapt to the evolving market dynamics, such as by investing in sustainable production methods, are likely to benefit in the long term.

In conclusion, while monochloroacetic acid prices have shown upward trends in recent times, the outlook remains uncertain, with potential price fluctuations based on external factors like raw material costs, regulatory changes, and shifts in consumer demand. Stakeholders in industries reliant on MCA should stay attuned to these trends to navigate the complexities of the global chemical market effectively.

Get Real time Prices for Monochloroacetic Acid (MCA): https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/monochloroacetic-acid-1156

Contact Us:

ChemAnalyst

GmbH - S-01, 2.floor, Subbelrather Straße,

15a Cologne, 50823, Germany

Call: +49-221-6505-8833

Email: sales@chemanalyst.com

Website: https://www.chemanalyst.com

[roshankumar7904800]

2,7 Naphthalenediol Market

2,7-Naphthalenediol Market Size, Share, Trends: Biosynth Carbosynth Leads

Driving Innovation: Sustainable and Bio-Based Products

Market Overview:

The global 2,7-Naphthalenediol market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2024 to 2031. Asia-Pacific currently dominates the market, with strong demand across various industrial applications. Steady growth is driven by increasing use in chemical intermediates, rising demand in pharmaceutical synthesis, and growing applications in the dye industry.

The market is expanding due to the increased use of 2,7-Naphthalenediol in the creation of sustainable and bio-based products, technological advancements, and a shift towards more environmentally friendly practices. The demand for long-lasting, high-performance solutions across diverse applications continues to drive market growth.

DOWNLOAD FREE SAMPLE

Market Trends:

A key trend in the 2,7-Naphthalenediol market is its increased use in the creation of sustainable and bio-based products. As companies globally adopt more ecologically friendly methods and materials, 2,7-Naphthalenediol is finding new applications in green chemistry. For instance, it is being explored as a precursor in the production of biodegradable polymers and as a component in environmentally friendly dyes. This trend aligns with the global push for sustainability, with the bio-based chemicals market projected to increase at a CAGR of 10.5% from 2024 to 2031. The adaptability of 2,7-Naphthalenediol in these applications is expected to drive up demand in the coming years.

Market Segmentation:

The Chemical Intermediates category currently dominates the 2,7-Naphthalenediol market, owing to its broad application in the synthesis of various organic compounds and speciality chemicals. 2,7-Naphthalenediol is a versatile building block in organic synthesis, with key applications in the creation of dyes, pigments, and specialty compounds.

Advancements in green chemistry have prompted the exploration of 2,7-Naphthalenediol as a precursor in the production of bio-based polymers and environmentally friendly products. The global market for chemical intermediates was assessed at $115 billion in 2023 and is predicted to increase at a 5.2% CAGR until 2031. The 2,7-Naphthalenediol market, as a subset of the broader market, is benefiting from this upward trend.

Market Key Players:

Biosynth Carbosynth

Alfa Aesar (Thermo Fisher Scientific)

Toronto Research Chemicals

Sigma-Aldrich (Merck KGaA)

TCI Chemicals

Apollo Scientific Ltd

Contact Us:

Name: Hari Krishna

Email us: hari.krishna@aurorawaveintellects.com

Website: https://aurorawaveintellects.com/

[kristinahertzz]

Formate Brines Market

Formate Brines Market Size, Share, Trends: Cabot Corporation Leads

Rising demand for eco-friendly drilling fluids in offshore oil & gas exploration

Market Overview: 

The global Formate Brines Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period of 2024-2031. The market value is expected to increase significantly during this period. North America currently dominates the market, accounting for the largest share of global revenue. Key metrics include increasing demand from the oil & gas industry, growing focus on environmentally friendly drilling fluids, and rising adoption in chemical and pharmaceutical applications.

The formate brines market is steadily developing, driven by increased oil and gas exploration activity, notably in deep-water and ultra-deep-water reservoirs. Formate brines' exceptional features, including as high density, low corrosiveness, and environmental friendliness, are driving their expanding use in a variety of industrial applications.

DOWNLOAD FREE SAMPLE

Market Trends: 

The formate brines market is seeing a substantial shift towards the use of ecologically friendly drilling fluids in offshore oil and gas development. As environmental rules tighten and businesses prioritise sustainable practices, formate brines are gaining popularity as a preferred alternative to traditional drilling fluids. These brines provide great technical performance while having low environmental impact, making them appropriate for application in delicate marine environments.

Market Segmentation: 

Potassium formate dominates the formate brines market, accounting for more than YY% of global revenue. This supremacy is due to its numerous applications in the oil and gas industry, particularly drilling, completion, and workover fluids. Potassium formate brines have great thermal stability, low corrosion, and high density, making them ideal for use in high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) wells.

Market Key Players:

Cabot Corporation

Sinomine Resource Group

Schlumberger Limited

Eti Maden

American Elements

Contact Us:

Name: Hari Krishna

Email us: hari.krishna@aurorawaveintellects.com

Website: https://aurorawaveintellects.com/

[seairexim01]

India's Leading Role in Ayurvedic Medicine Export: A Comprehensive Guide

India has solidified its position as the largest exporter of Ayurvedic medicines, leveraging its rich biodiversity and ancient Ayurvedic heritage. With thousands of medicinal plants and expertise in traditional medicine manufacturing, India guarantees the production of superior herbal products.

This article delves into the top Ayurvedic medicine export from India, export statistics, HSN codes, and essential insights for newcomers and seasoned exporters alike. Let’s explore the thriving global market for Ayurvedic products and the opportunities it presents.

The Global Market for Ayurvedic Medicines

Ayurveda, with its roots stretching back thousands of years, offers a holistic wellness system combining herbal remedies, dietary guidance, and lifestyle practices. Its effectiveness in improving health and treating various ailments has driven global demand for authentic Ayurvedic products.

As consumers grow wary of synthetic chemicals and their potential side effects, they increasingly turn to natural and sustainable alternatives like Ayurveda. By integrating time-tested methods and natural cures, Ayurveda continues to inspire a global audience seeking optimal health and vitality.

India's Ayurvedic product market is projected to grow exponentially, from $7 billion (₹57,450 crore) in 2024 to $16.27 billion (₹1.2 lakh crore) by FY28. This growth underscores the immense potential of this industry both domestically and internationally.

Production of Ayurvedic Medicines in India

India is the world’s largest producer of Ayurvedic medicines, boasting over 3,000 medicinal plant species and more than 6,000 herbs. The nation houses over 7,800 production units that manufacture traditional herbal formulations and natural health products, requiring over 2,000 metric tons of raw medicinal plants annually.

Leading producers include Sigma Softgel & Formulation, Fortune Labs, Uniray Lifesciences, Zoic Pharmaceuticals, Navayur Herbal, Hamdard Laboratories, Dabur India Ltd., and Vicco Laboratories. These companies exemplify India's dominance in the Ayurvedic industry.

Ayurvedic Medicine Export: Key Statistics

In the fiscal year 2023–2024, India exported $651.17 million worth of Ayurvedic and herbal products, marking a 3.6% increase from the previous year. As per Ayurvedic medicine export data during this period, 10.63 crore kilograms of these products were exported, with 2,479 shipments handled by 121 Indian exporters catering to 238 international buyers. This represented a notable 24% growth in shipments.

HSN Codes for Ayurvedic Medicine Export

The Harmonized System Nomenclature (HSN) code for Ayurvedic medicines is 30039011. Other codes related to traditional medicine exports include:

30039012: Unani system medicaments

30039013: Siddha system medicaments

30039014: Homeopathic system medicaments

These codes help streamline the export process by clearly identifying products. Exporters can access detailed information about these codes through platforms like Seair Exim Solutions.

Top Destinations for Ayurvedic Medicine Exports

India’s top export destinations for Ayurvedic medicines include the United States, Germany, Italy, China, UAE, France, the United Kingdom, Nepal, Australia, and Russia. In 2023–2024, these countries accounted for approximately 63.3% of India’s total Ayurvedic exports, with the combined value reaching $412 million—a 5.10% increase from the previous year.

The United States remains the largest market, importing $183.30 million worth of Ayurvedic products, followed by Germany and Italy. This highlights the growing global appreciation for India's natural and herbal remedies.

Popular Ayurvedic Products Exported from India

India exports a wide range of Ayurvedic formulations, including:

Essential Oils: Derived from organically grown flowers and herbs, oils like sandalwood, cinnamon, basil, and rose are popular in aromatherapy.

Skincare Products: Ayurvedic skincare items such as hair masks, face masks, toners, serums, and oils are in high demand globally.

Health Supplements: Products like turmeric, neem extracts, ashwagandha, chawanprash, and herbal teas have seen increased demand due to growing health consciousness post-COVID-19.

Mandatory Documentation for Exporting Ayurvedic Products

Exporting Ayurvedic medicines from India requires specific licenses and certifications. Key documents include:

Import Export Code (IEC)

AYUSH Product Approval (for manufacturers)

Free Sale Certificate

FSSAI License

FDA Registration

NPOP Certification (National Program for Organic Production)

Certificate of Origin

Phytosanitary Certificate

These ensure compliance with international standards and smooth cross-border trade.

Major Ayurvedic Medicine Exporters in India

Prominent Ayurvedic medicine exporters include Sreedhareeyam Ayurveda, Arogya Formulations Pvt Ltd., Wilson Drugs, LKR Products Pvt. Ltd., and Amrut Herbal Industries. These companies, alongside others, contribute significantly to India's Ayurvedic exports.

Unlock Export Opportunities with Reliable Data

To succeed in the Ayurvedic export industry, understanding market trends and export data is crucial. Platforms like Seair Exim Solutions provide comprehensive trade insights, including export data, buyer details, and product trends across over 100 countries. For real-time information and a free live demo, connect with Seair today.

The future of Ayurvedic medicine export from India is bright, driven by rising global demand for natural and sustainable health solutions. Embrace this opportunity and contribute to India's legacy in wellness and traditional medicine.