Short Takes – 5-9-25

Trump executive order aims to reshore US drug production. CEN.ACS.org article. Pull quote: “In recent months, several big pharma companies, including Eli Lilly and Company and Novartis, have announced significant investments to expand their production capabilities in the US. But the drugs these companies make are mostly branded or patented medicines, which account for a small fraction of prescription drugs. Around 90% of the prescription drugs needed in the US are generics, and there is domestic manufacturing capacity sitting idle that could be used to make them, says Kevin Webb, chief operating officer of the API Innovation Center, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing US drug manufacturing.”

Rocket Lab’s Neutron tapped for U.S. military cargo test. SpaceNews.com article. Pull quote: “The cargo test would be a “survivability experiment.” Neutron is expected to carry a payload that will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere, demonstrating the rocket’s ability to safely transport and deploy cargo. Beck noted that the launch will be a “multi-manifest” mission, carrying multiple payloads.”

Genetically engineered bacteria break down industrial contaminants. ArsTechnica.com article. Pull quote: “The inspiration for this work was the fact that a lot of this industrial contamination contains a mixture of toxic organic molecules that are commonly found in brackish or salty water. So, the research team, based in Shenzhen, China, started by simply testing a number of lab bacteria strains to develop one that could survive these conditions. The one that seemed to survive the best was Vibrio natriegens. These bacteria were discovered in a salt marsh, and their primary claim to fame is an impressive growth rate, with a population being able to double about every 10 minutes.”

Federal Site Providing Ground Safety Services and Oversight for Launch or Reentry Activities Conducted From a Commercial Site Located on Land Owned by a Federal Site. Federal Register FAA clarification notice. Summary: “This document clarifies that, in instances where launch or reentry activities are conducted from an FAA-licensed commercial site located on land that is owned by a Federal site that the commercial site uses pursuant to an agreement with the Federal site, and the Federal site provides ground safety services and oversight, the vehicle operator may be able to demonstrate an equivalent level of safety to the FAA's ground safety requirements.”

National Industrial Security Program Policy Advisory Committee (NISPPAC) Meeting. Federal Register NARA meeting notice. Summary: “We are announcing an upcoming National Industrial Security Program Policy Advisory Committee (NISPPAC) meeting in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act and implementing regulations.” Meeting date: May 28^th, 2025.

EO 14292 – Improving the Safety and Security of Biological Research, Federal Register.

EO 14293 – Regulatory Relief To Promote Domestic Production of Critical Medicines, Federal Register.