Chemists have discovered a new and easier way to produce some common drugs such as antibiotics and acid reflux medications. To produce these drugs certain crystals must be produced, this is usually done through an extensive process of extreme heating, washing, filtering and drying. This new discovery instead uses highly pressurized carbon dioxide at room temperatures to create the same crystals. This process would provide a safer and faster working environment for the people who are producing these drugs. While they do admit that this process is not directly less expensive than traditional procedures it could still lead to less expensive drugs. This would make drugs easier to produce so less money could be spent during clinical trials which is a major factor of drug price so by lowering the cost of the trials, the cost of everyday drugs is lowered. This discovery is important to anyone who takes medication at some point in their lives because it can lower the cost of some of the more expensive drugs.
See: http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-03-chemist-shortcut-drugs.html
Posted by Rachel Allen
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Using an increased pressure would certainly be safer and more cost effective then heating, filtering etc. I'm surprised something that is seemingly this simple hasn't been used for years.
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