Words by Isabel O’Brien
A UK research project has received a £1.8m grant to transform how medicines are made, aiming to make drug manufacturing faster, cleaner and more responsive.
The initiative, known as Reconfigurable, Robotic & Responsive Reactors for Processes through Intensified Development (R4PID), is led by the University of Leeds in partnership with the University of Nottingham. Backed by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the research is working on combining AI-controlled reactors, machine learning and real-time monitoring to create more sustainable production processes.
The new approach relies on flow chemistry: a method where chemical reactions take place in continuously flowing streams, rather than in large, static batches. Unlike traditional batch manufacturing, which often uses high energy and generates large volumes of waste, flow chemistry enables more precise control over reactions. This not only improves efficiency but also reduces emissions and waste output. With AI and real-time monitoring layered in, the reactors can self-optimise, adjusting conditions on the fly to produce better results with fewer resources.
“We’re thrilled to drive forward smart technologies that not only accelerate pharmaceutical development but also hold real commercial potential,” said Professor Richard Bourne, the University of Leeds, who is leading the work. “This project represents a major step toward smarter, more sustainable manufacturing that can be rapidly deployed across the industry.”
“This exciting new collaboration allows us to significantly expand the capabilities of self-optimising flow systems,” added Professor Michael George, the University of Nottingham. “By integrating novel analytical technologies, we can enable real-time decision-making and adaptive control, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.”
The collaborative effort, supported by industry partners AstraZeneca and ChemAI, is one of six UK projects to be awarded a total of £7.5m by the EPSRC to help modernise manufacturing in the nation.
