The Russian government is finalizing the launch of a new national project titled ‘Technological Support for the Bioeconomy.’ According to the official government website, the initiative will unite cutting-edge solutions in biotechnology, renewable bioresources, and the development of new materials. Its primary goal is to establish globally competitive enterprises and modernize existing ones, helping return Russia to the ranks of global biotech leaders. Here’s a snapshot of key developments in the international biotechnology market.
Sustainable Plastic
Samsung is entering the organic packaging market. On April 14, the company signed a contract with Emirates Biotech to co-develop a project for the production of biodegradable plastics. The signing ceremony took place at Emirates Biotech’s headquarters in the UAE and was attended by top executives from both companies, including Namkoong Hong, President of Samsung E&A, and Mark Verbruggen, President of Emirates Biotech. The partnership will result in the construction of the first plant in the Middle East to manufacture organic plastic. Located in Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Economic Zone, the facility will have a production capacity of 80,000 tons, including raw materials derived from corn and sugarcane for the production of eco-friendly packaging. Demand for such materials is growing rapidly amid tightening international environmental standards. Against this backdrop, Samsung E&A aims to become a global leader in eco-technologies. Since 2020, the company has used only recycled and biodegradable materials in its product packaging—from mobile phones to large home appliances.
One Pill Is Enough
High cholesterol may soon be treated at the genetic level. U.S.-based biotech company Verve Therapeutics, which specializes in cardiovascular disease therapies, has announced successful clinical trials of its new drug, Verve-102. All participants tolerated the treatment well, with no side effects or significant deviations in lab results. On average, LDL cholesterol levels dropped by 53 percent.
The drug safely inactivates genes responsible for regulating cholesterol and lipid levels, potentially eliminating the need for lifelong medication in people with elevated cholesterol.
A Heart That Keeps Beating
A groundbreaking Qazaqstan innovation for preserving donor organs is being showcased at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, which opened this week.
The device, known as ALEM (Astana Life Ex-situ Machine), was developed by a team of doctors from the UMC Heart Center. It is capable of maintaining the viability of harvested organs for over 24 hours—four to six times longer than conventional methods. This new technology replicates conditions similar to those inside the human body: it maintains optimal temperature, oxygenates the blood, and monitors vital signs in real time. According to the project team, ALEM not only extends the viability of organs but also enables treatment of the organ outside the body. This innovation is especially critical for geographically vast countries like Qazaqstan, where one of the main challenges in organ transplantation is ensuring timely delivery.
Sustainable Plastic
Samsung is entering the organic packaging market. On April 14, the company signed a contract with Emirates Biotech to co-develop a project for the production of biodegradable plastics. The signing ceremony took place at Emirates Biotech’s headquarters in the UAE and was attended by top executives from both companies, including Namkoong Hong, President of Samsung E&A, and Mark Verbruggen, President of Emirates Biotech. The partnership will result in the construction of the first plant in the Middle East to manufacture organic plastic. Located in Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Economic Zone, the facility will have a production capacity of 80,000 tons, including raw materials derived from corn and sugarcane for the production of eco-friendly packaging. Demand for such materials is growing rapidly amid tightening international environmental standards. Against this backdrop, Samsung E&A aims to become a global leader in eco-technologies. Since 2020, the company has used only recycled and biodegradable materials in its product packaging—from mobile phones to large home appliances.
One Pill Is Enough
High cholesterol may soon be treated at the genetic level. U.S.-based biotech company Verve Therapeutics, which specializes in cardiovascular disease therapies, has announced successful clinical trials of its new drug, Verve-102. All participants tolerated the treatment well, with no side effects or significant deviations in lab results. On average, LDL cholesterol levels dropped by 53 percent.
The drug safely inactivates genes responsible for regulating cholesterol and lipid levels, potentially eliminating the need for lifelong medication in people with elevated cholesterol.
A Heart That Keeps Beating
A groundbreaking Qazaqstan innovation for preserving donor organs is being showcased at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, which opened this week.
The device, known as ALEM (Astana Life Ex-situ Machine), was developed by a team of doctors from the UMC Heart Center. It is capable of maintaining the viability of harvested organs for over 24 hours—four to six times longer than conventional methods. This new technology replicates conditions similar to those inside the human body: it maintains optimal temperature, oxygenates the blood, and monitors vital signs in real time. According to the project team, ALEM not only extends the viability of organs but also enables treatment of the organ outside the body. This innovation is especially critical for geographically vast countries like Qazaqstan, where one of the main challenges in organ transplantation is ensuring timely delivery.