Pharmaceutical Industry Research Articles

Mapping the Clinical Development Trajectory of Cell and GeneTherapy Products.

While cell and gene therapies (CGTs) have emerged as promising modalities to treat conditions with limited therapeutic options, their unconventional development is fraught with uncertainty, rendering them high-risk assets for many pharmaceutical companies. Here, we assess the clinical development trajectories of CGT products by estimating probabilities of successful clinical trial phase transitions and the likelihood of achieving regulatory approval. We included all CGT products entering clinical development from 1993 to 2023 and intended for marketing in the United States, Europe, Japan, Canada, and Switzerland. Associations between product success and characteristics were investigated. In sub-analyses, we examined the clinical trajectories of two promising product types, chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cell therapies and adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-based gene therapies. We identified 995 CGT products corresponding to 1,961 development programs. A total of 44 CGTs secured at least one regulatory approval, corresponding to an overall likelihood of approval of 5.3% (95% CI 4.0-6.9). Development programs with an orphan designation had a higher likelihood of approval than those without (9.4%, 95% CI 6.6-13.3 vs. 3.2%, 95% CI 2.0-4.9), while programs for oncology indications had a lower likelihood of approval compared to those for non-oncology indications (3.2%, 95% CI 1.6-5.1 vs. 8.0%, 95% CI 5.7-11.1). CAR T cells and AAV gene therapies had a similar overall likelihood of approval of 13.6% (95% CI 7.3, 23.9) and 13.6% (95% CI 6.4, 26.7), respectively. In conclusion, CGT products have a low overall likelihood of approval with variability based on orphan status, therapeutic area, and product type.

Efficacy and Safety of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4/6 Inhibitors in Patients with Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and Real-World Studies.

The efficacy and safety of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)4/6 inhibitors in patients with breast cancer have been investigated by large-scale trials sponsored by drug companies. A lack of real-world evidence may lead to biases. We systematically reviewed the large-scale clinical trials and real-world data to investigate the efficacy and safety of CDK4/6 inhibitors in patients with breast cancer. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from the inception of each database to January 2024. We included both prospective and retrospective studies reporting the survival outcomes or adverse effects of CDK4/6 inhibitors in patients with breast cancer. We included 41 prospective trials and 80 retrospective studies involving a total of 69,535 patients. Our meta-analysis of double-arm studies revealed that all types of CDK4/6 inhibitors significantly improved overall survival and progression-free survival. The pooled estimates of the 1-year overall survival (OS) rates and 1-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates in single-arm real-world studies were 74.8% and 49.4% for abemaciclib, 84.1% and 55.7% for palbociclib, and 93.4% and 62.2% for ribobiclib, respectively. In terms of adverse effects, Asian patients were significantly more likely to experience neutropenia and increased alanine aminotransferase, whereas Western patients were significantly more likely to have grade 3 or 4 adverse effects and constipation. CDK4/6 inhibitors can improve OS and PFS in patients with advanced breast cancer. The incidence of adverse effects may differ with drugs and with ethnicity. On the basis of our findings, clinicians can select suitable CDK4/6 inhibitors for patients by conducting thorough clinical evaluations.

Sales innovation and synergy strategy of Chinese pharmaceutical enterprises in the context of digital transformation: A perspective from the affordance theory

In the rapidly evolving landscape of China’s pharmaceutical industry, this study investigates how pharmaceutical enterprises can achieve profitable sales innovation amid the process of digital transformation. Grounded in the Affordance theory, it posits that the positive impact of digital transformation on sales innovation is driven by the affordance afforded by digital technology and ubiquity. The research focuses on A-share pharmaceutical companies in China, utilizing data from 2012 to 2022 and employing multiple regression analysis to examine the influence of digital transformation on corporate sales innovation. The results demonstrate a significant positive effect of digital transformation on sales innovation. The study further categorizes digital transformation into technological affordance and ubiquity affordance, separately validating their roles in promoting sales innovation. Moreover, by considering synergistic effects, the research unveils the intricate relationship between digital transformation and corporate innovation performance. The findings provide a fresh perspective on understanding how digital technology propels sales innovation and offer concrete guidance for the digital transformation practices in the pharmaceutical industry.

Abstract A001: Navigating the future of therapeutic development: innovations in safety and efficacy through advanced research methodologies and nanotechnology

Abstract In recent years, the field of therapeutic development has experienced a significant paradigm shift driven by strategic scientific innovations that prioritize safety and efficacy in therapeutic agents. This paper explores the intersection of advanced research methodologies, novel material sciences, and biotechnological advancements that are revolutionizing the approach to drug formulation and delivery systems. The integration of precision medicine principles alongside cutting-edge technologies allows for the design of therapeutics that are not only effective in targeting specific diseases but are also engineered to minimize adverse effects associated with conventional therapies. One focal point of this exploration is the application of nanotechnology in drug delivery systems. By utilizing nanoparticles, researchers can enhance the bioavailability of therapeutic agents while reducing systemic toxicity. This targeted approach enables the delivery of higher concentrations of drugs to the affected areas, thereby maximizing therapeutic efficacy and minimizing side effects. Additionally, the paper highlights the role of computational modeling and simulations in predicting the interaction of therapeutic agents at the molecular level, facilitating the identification of safer compounds through virtual screening methods. Another significant aspect addressed in this paper is the development of biologics and biosimilars as safer alternatives to traditional synthetic drugs. The advancement of biomanufacturing processes has made it feasible to produce complex molecules with high specificity and reduced immunogenicity, paving the way for innovative therapies that cater to individual patient profiles. Furthermore, the strategic incorporation of pharmacogenomics in drug development allows for the customization of therapeutic agents, ensuring that treatment regimens are tailored to the genetic makeup of patients, which can drastically improve safety and treatment outcomes. The paper also discusses the regulatory landscape surrounding the introduction of these innovative therapeutic agents. It emphasizes the need for adaptive regulatory frameworks that keep pace with scientific advancements while ensuring patient safety and efficacy. Collaborative efforts between researchers, regulatory bodies, and pharmaceutical companies are essential to facilitate the translation of innovative therapies from the laboratory to clinical practice. In conclusion, this paper underscores the critical importance of strategic scientific innovations in the quest for safer therapeutic agents. By harnessing the potential of advanced technologies, researchers can develop therapeutics that not only meet the growing demand for efficacy but also uphold the highest standards of safety, ultimately improving patient care and health outcomes. The findings presented advocate for continued investment in research and collaboration across disciplines to drive future advancements in therapeutic development. Citation Format: Peter O. David. Navigating the future of therapeutic development: innovations in safety and efficacy through advanced research methodologies and nanotechnology. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Optimizing Therapeutic Efficacy and Tolerability through Cancer Chemistry; 2024 Dec 9-11; Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2024;23(12_Suppl):Abstract nr A001

Scale-Up and Postapproval Changes in Orally Inhaled Drug Products: Scientific and Regulatory Considerations.

Approved drug products may be subject to change(s) for a variety of reasons. The changes may include, but are not limited to, increase in batch size, alteration of the drug product constituent(s), improvement in the manufacturing process, and shift in manufacturing sites. The extent of pharmaceutical testing and the regulatory pathway for timely implementation of any change in the approved product and/or process depends upon the nature and extent of change. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published guidelines that outline its expectations for the Scale-Up and Postapproval Changes (SUPAC) in the solid oral immediate and modified release (MR) products, and semisolid formulations. However, to date, no such guidelines have been issued to address SUPAC in the orally inhaled drug products (OIDPs), and this article represents a seminal contribution in this direction. It is hoped that it will inspire contributions from the relevant multidisciplinary experts from the pharmaceutical industry and the agency in accomplishing formal regulatory guidelines relevant to the OIDP SUPAC. The OIDPs are complex drug-device combination products. Therefore, a conceptualization of SUPAC guidelines for these products warrants consideration of contributions of effect of change(s) in individual components (drug substance, formulation, device) as well as a compound effect that a single or multiple changes may have on product performance, and its safety and efficacy. This article provides a discussion of scientific aspects and regulatory bases relevant to the development of SUPAC for OIDPs, and it attempts to outline considerations that may be applicable in addressing issues related to the OIDP SUPAC in the context of human drugs. The authors' statements should not be viewed as recommendations from any regulatory agency, as the applicable guidelines would be determined on case-by-case evaluation by the relevant authorities.

An exploratory analysis of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists and biosimilars: A literature review.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are at the forefront of treating the global health crisis of diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity. However, the demand for GLP-1 RAs has far outstripped its supply and comes with a high monthly cost. Thus, the development of GLP-1 RA biosimilars can potentially address these barriers by providing greater access to medications that provide clinical outcomes similar to those of the reference products. A narrative review was conducted to examine the current and future developments for GLP-1 RA biosimilars. Liraglutide and semaglutide are the predominant GLP-1 RAs being investigated for the development of biosimilars. Preliminary liraglutide biosimilar comparisons to reference liraglutide have demonstrated similar clinical efficacy and safety profiles. Semaglutide and beinaglutide biosimilars are currently under investigation as well. With the growing popularity of GLP-1 RAs, accessibility and affordability remain a challenge as monthly costs without insurance for liraglutide, semaglutide and tirzepatide are $1418, $892, and $974 respectively. This trend negatively impacts patients with obesity and DM as well as patients who can utilize it for off-label indications for conditions that benefit from weight loss such as obstructive sleep apnoea and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. A substantial number of pharmaceutical and healthcare companies worldwide are conducting clinical trials on their GLP-1 RA biosimilars. Preliminary results from liraglutide biosimilars are promising, and several semaglutide biosimilars are currently being investigated. Future research should focus on conducting comparative head-to-head trials to determine the clinical outcomes between biosimilars and reference products.

Technical, Economic and Environmental Assessment of Xylitol Production in a Biorefinery Platform Toward a Circular Economy

New biobased processes and products are emerging to replace conventional ones in the search for sustainable development. Xylitol is one of the most commercially valuable products from xylan-rich lignocellulosic biomass. Xylitol has multiple applications in the pharmaceutical, food, nutraceutical, and beverage industries. Recent research focuses on obtaining xylose from low-cost lignocellulosic materials through the biological route, optimizing xylitol conversion, improving byproduct removal, and increasing crystallization speed. The biological route can be an environmentally friendly alternative due to the possibility of lower energy demand and utilizing renewable feedstocks which are key factors to reach sustainability. Several integration strategies are being evaluated and are critical to developing a commercial platform. Process integration can considerably reduce the demand for energy and reagents. Also, the value-added products produced alongside xylitol are crucial, and these products are usually energy generation and bioethanol. Further, new value-added products show promising results and are relevant to improving the economic performance of the processes. The market trends of xylitol are expected to reach close to USD 1.5 billion in 2030. In addition, the improvement needed in the conversion steps and obtained yields, producing commercial-scale xylitol through the biological route, is a promising alternative to finding a more sustainable way to produce xylitol.

Analysis of the Profitability of Yunnan Baiyao Group Co., Ltd. under the DuPont analysis

The pharmaceutical industry is closely related to human life, which not only determines life and health, but also affects people's quality of life. With the acceleration of population aging and the growth of medical demand, the pharmaceutical industry has developed rapidly, but the competition in the pharmaceutical industry has also become increasingly fierce. In this context, improving profitability has become the key to the sustainable survival and development of pharmaceutical industry enterprises. In order to discover the deficiency of enterprise management and promote the rapid development of enterprise, enterprise managers must study a set of evaluation system which can accurately, comprehensively and scientifically reflect the current situation of company activities and management. This study takes Yunnan Baiyao Group Co., Ltd. as the object of study, and tests the profitability of the company by using the improved Du Pont analysis system. The report points out the current problems facing the company's profitability and proposes corresponding measures. This paper is divided into four parts: Summarizing the research background and significance of this topic, introducing research ideas and research methods, is the theme of the first part. The introduction of the improved DuPont analysis system and the theoretical framework for this study are the main topics of Part II, and the related concepts and theoretical foundations of the study are discussed. The third part introduces the basic situation and profitability of Yunnan Baiyao, establishes a preliminary understanding of it, and then analyzes the profitability of Yunnan Baiyao by using the improved Du Pont analysis method. The fourth part looks for the possible problems of its profitability through the process of analysis: one is the increase of cost pressure; the other is the lack of growth of main business; the third is the decline of accounts receivable turnover rate. The company can consider the following measures: first, improve production efficiency and control labor cost; second, focus on the research and development of main business and innovative drugs, strengthen brand differentiation; third, strengthen accounts receivable management and optimize sales strategy.

Role of AI, Automation & Robotics in Pharmaceutical Industry

The pharmaceutical industry is undergoing a massive transformation driven by technological advancements and leapfrogging further due to the integration of Artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and robotics. These technologies are being deployed to cover various aspects, including drug discovery, manufacturing, supply chain, and patient care. AI's ability to process and analyze massive data sets allows researchers to identify new drug candidates faster or improve on current ones through various strategies. Automation transforms repetitive tasks and increases accuracy, but most importantly, it frees people up from work that they need not do and concentrates on the jobs that still require human involvement. Conversely, when integrated with AI, robots enhance the production process by enabling speedy, accurate, and scalable manufacturing. Robotics are now being used in pharmacies for medication dispensing and are very efficient. Furthermore, all these innovations driven by AI, Automation, and robotics also contribute to personalized medicine by extending tailored treatments based on individual patient data. This paper explores the role of AI, Automation, and Robotics in the Pharmaceutical industry and its benefits. The ongoing evolution of such technologies holds immense potential to address the growing needs and handle industry challenges such as increasing demand, regulatory compliance, and global health needs to ultimately lead the pharmaceutical industry towards a more efficient, adaptive, and patient-centered approach.

Drug Procurement, R&D Models, and Innovation Performance of Pharmaceutical Companies

Under the multi-objective public policy of national centralized banded purchasing of medicines (“Drug Procurement”), winning pharmaceutical companies are faced with the dual dilemma of declining product profits and high investment in innovation. Although the centralized drug procurement policy significantly reduces drug prices and alleviates the burden of patients, the mechanism of its impact on the innovation performance of pharmaceutical companies is still unclear, and an in-depth study of this mechanism can help to comprehensively understand the effect of the implementation of the centralized drug procurement policy. By constructing a multi-period double-difference model to investigate the impact of the drug collection policy on the innovation activities of enterprises, the study finds that the drug collection policy significantly improves the innovation performance of selected enterprises through two paths, namely internal R&D and external cooperation. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the drug collection policy significantly enhances the innovation performance of larger enterprises and pharmaceutical enterprises whose leading products are chemicals, and has a more significant positive effect on the innovation performance of state-owned enterprises compared with that of non-state-owned enterprises. On the basis of empirical analysis, suggestions are made for policy improvement.

Enhancement of the Degradation of Phytosterol Side Chains in Mycolicibacterium by Eliminating the Redox Sensitivity of Key Thiolase and Augmenting Cell Activity

Androstenedione (AD) is a vital intermediate in the synthesis of steroid drugs, making its efficient production critical in the steroid drug industry. Acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase (FadA5), a thiolase enzyme, plays an important role in the metabolic process of degrading phytosterol side chains in Mycolicibacterium to produce AD. This work is the first systematic analysis of the role of FadA5 in the transformation of phytosterols by Mycolicibacterium to produce AD. The relationship between redox potential and AD production was examined using resting cells, and it was confirmed that FadA5 is a key enzyme for AD production. Mutating the 87th cysteine of FadA5 to alanine reduced its redox effect, enhancing the substrate tolerance and biotransformation capacity of the strain. Co-expressing Vitreoscilla hemoglobin (VHb) and propionyl-CoA metabolized the transcription activator (PrpR), decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, and improved cell viability. The AD yield of MSP-fA5C87A-VP/ΔfA5 was 2.541 g/L, an increase of 16.83% over the control strain. Using a repeated batch fermentation process, the production efficiency of the MSP-fA5C87A-VP/ΔfA5 strain was 0.658 g/L/d, which was 1.82 times higher than that of the control strain. These findings provide a theoretical basis for understanding and regulating steroid side-chain catabolism in Mycolicibacterium and offer support for the rational modification of industrial strains for steroidal drug precursor production.

R as a Game-Changer in Clinical Trial Reporting: Best Practices for TLF Compliance

In clinical trial reporting, the generation of Tables, Listings, and Figures (TLFs) is crucial for data presentation and regulatory submission. Historically, SAS has been the predominant tool for creating TLFs; however, with the increasing adoption of open-source software in the pharmaceutical industry, R has emerged as a viable alternative. This paper presents a comprehensive approach to creating TLFs using R, focusing on the required R packages, strategies for handling missing values, and methods for rounding numeric values. By leveraging R's capabilities, organizations can achieve greater flexibility and efficiency in their reporting processes, potentially reducing costs associated with software licensing and training. Additionally, the integration of R in clinical workflows can facilitate real-time data analysis and enhance decision-making, positioning R as a powerful tool for the pharmaceutical industry’s evolving landscape. This work demonstrates how R can be effectively used for clinical trial reporting, offering significant advantages compared to traditional tools. Keywords: R packages, ggplot2, dplyr,R Shiny for clinical trials, R in clinical trials, Adverse event tables, Data visualization, Data preparation, Regulatory submission, Tables, Listings, and Figures (TLFs)

Mental Health and Well-being Programs for Pharma Employees

The pharmaceutical industry is renowned for its high-pressure environment, where employees face challenges such as tight deadlines, regulatory compliance, and ethical dilemmas. These factors contribute to mental health issues like stress, burnout, and anxiety, which can significantly affect productivity and overall organizational success. This research examines the importance of mental health and well-being programs in the pharmaceutical sector, highlighting their effectiveness, limitations, and potential for improvement. It also underscores the critical role of leadership and HR in fostering a supportive culture that prioritizes employee well-being. Keywords Mental health, workplace stress.

Monitor to Protect: The Proliferation of Bio-Connected Devices in Supply Chains

The use of bio-connected devices (BCDs) in medicine and perishable logistics marks a significant advancement in product traceability and flow security. These devices, equipped with heat-sensitive biosensors, allow for real-time monitoring of storage and delivery conditions. This ensures that medicines, particularly vaccines, and perishable goods are kept within proper temperature ranges, preventing deterioration. Additionally, BCDs play a crucial role in combating counterfeiting through transparent traceability systems, often enhanced with blockchain technology, which guarantees product authenticity throughout the supply chain. However, the adoption of these innovative technologies faces several barriers, including high initial costs, data security concerns, and the need for adequate technical infrastructure. Despite these challenges, BCDs have substantial potential to transform the food and pharmaceutical industries by boosting operational efficiency and ensuring product safety.

Food Allergy in Children in China.

The prevalence of food allergies in China seems to be increasing, but there are limited studies describing the pattern of food allergies across the country. This review highlights regional variations observed across China, with data indicating a higher prevalence in the more economically developed eastern and southern coastal regions compared to inland areas. Egg and milk are the most common allergies among children under 3 years old; for children above 3 years old, specific food allergens also show regional differences, with shellfish allergies being more common in southern and eastern coastal areas, while wheat and fruit allergies are more prevalent in northern regions. Emerging peanut and tree nut allergies have also been observed in China's megacities, although the prevalence remains relatively low compared to Western countries. These geographic and environmental influences highlight the complexity of the food allergy landscape in China and the need for a more nuanced understanding of the underlying drivers. Despite the growing burden of food allergies, significant gaps exist in effectively managing these conditions in China. Lack of standardised diagnostic tools, limited access to oral food challenges and a shortage of trained allergists pose major challenges. Another critical gap is the limited availability and affordability of epinephrine autoinjectors, essential for managing life-threatening anaphylactic reactions. Addressing these systemic deficiencies in China's food allergy management infrastructure will require concerted efforts from policymakers, healthcare systems and pharmaceutical companies. Investing in the development of standardised diagnostics, expanding the allergy speciality workforce and ensuring equitable access to emergency care and treatment options are crucial steps towards improving health outcomes for the millions of individuals affected by food allergies in China.

Transforming drug discovery: the impact of AI and molecular simulation on R&D efficiency.

The process of developing new drugs in the pharmaceutical industry is both time-consuming and costly, making efficiency crucial. Recent advances in hardware and computational methods have led to the widespread application of computational science approaches in drug discovery. These approaches, including artificial intelligence and molecular simulations, span from target identification to pharmacokinetics research, aiming to reduce the likelihood of failure and present lower costs. Machine learning-based methods predict new applications for developing new drugs based on accumulated knowledge, while molecular simulations estimate interactions between drugs and target proteins at the atomic level based on physical laws. Each approach has its advantages and disadvantages, and they complement each other. As a result, the future of computational science approaches in drug discovery is expected to focus on developing new methodologies that integrate these two techniques to enhance the efficiency of drug discovery.

Genetic Engineering Pharmaceutical Technology: A Brief Review

Genetic engineering has emerged as a transformative technology in the pharmaceutical industry, offering unprecedented control over the manipulation of genetic material. This technology enables the precise editing, combining, and expression of target genes in various organisms, leading to the production of specific proteins, enzymes, and biologics essential for therapeutic applications. This review provides an overview of the basic principles and strategies of gene therapy, the development of genetic engineering pharmaceuticals, and their applications in producing physiologically active substances, antibodies, and vaccines. The review also highlights the significant advancements in the field, and explores the future potential of genetic engineering in advancing medical science and improving human health.

Antioxidant Capacity and Cardiovascular Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables: A Proposal for Comparative Scales

Fruits and vegetables are sources of natural nutraceuticals. They contain a variety of bioactive compounds such as vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers and other phytochemicals that contribute to their health-promoting properties and disease prevention. A wide variety of fruits and vegetables should be eaten to ensure that an individual’s diet includes a combination of phytonutraceuticals and to obtain all their health benefits. This study aimed to compare the antioxidant potential and cardiovascular benefits within a restricted sample of ten fruits and ten vegetables, previously reported as largely consumed in Portugal. With data available from the literature, antioxidant potential scales were established. Additionally, a set of seven criteria, including high antioxidant capacity (FRAP values above 1), presence of n-3 fatty acids, saturated fat, cholesterol, trans fatty acids, fiber and sodium was used to create comparative scales of their potential cardiovascular benefits. The main results showed that the fruits that simultaneously exhibited the highest antioxidant potential values and the highest cardiovascular potential benefit were lemon, grapes, and melon; among vegetables, the top rankings were found to be tomato and onion. These products have been recognized as interesting sources of natural nutraceuticals for the food and pharmaceutical industries. In the future, similar approaches are desirable to translate complex scientific data into practical, simple and user-friendly information for food literacy initiatives, including nutrition education materials, about the relative level of the potential cardiovascular benefits of a wide diversity of food products.

Enhancing the oil extraction process and exploring phytochemical composition and bioactivities of bitter melon seeds (Momordica charantia L.)

This study was conducted to determine the phytochemical composition of bitter melon seeds (Momordica charantia L.) grown in Long An province (Vietnam), to investigate optimal conditions for lipid extraction, and to evaluate the extracted lipid’s quality. The seeds had a moisture content of 5.27%, total ash of 1.85%, total flavonoid content of 91.10 mg/100 g, and total polyphenol content of 478.95 mg/100 g. The seeds were also free of highly toxic metals such as lead and cadmium. Using the Soxhlet method, optimal lipid extraction was achieved with a material-to-solvent ratio of 1:80 (w/v) over 4 hours, resulting in a lipid extraction efficiency of 13.74%. The acid, saponification, ester, and peroxide values were 1.01 mg KOH/g, 355.60 mg KOH/g, 354.59 mg KOH/g, and 3.82 meq O2/kg, respectively, in compliance with the quality requirements of Vietnam and Codex standards. The extracted lipids had antioxidant activity at an IC50 value of 119 mg/mL and inhibited the growth of two microbial strains Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii. These findings suggest that bitter melon oil has potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Sulfonamides Intermediates

AbstractSulfonamides are one of the most important synthons in drug synthesis, which can increase the water solubility of drugs and regulate their metabolism in vivo. According to statistics, nearly 30% of sulfur-containing drugs on the market contain sulfonamide groups, including omeprazole, hydrochlorothiazide, and other best-selling drugs. Synthesis of sulfonamide is therefore a very important part of new drug development and active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing. In this review, we will focus on the recent 5-year advances in the field of synthetic research and structural modification of sulfonamide-containing drugs and their intermediates. The synthesis strategies, including S−N construction, C−N cross-coupling, N−H functionalization, and C−H sulfonamidation, are discussed, hoping to provide new ideas for the researchers to prepare sulfonamides in a green and efficient way.