A team of scientists from Rutgers University have developed a reliable and inexpensive method by which to manufacture biologically active compounds from living plants. By turning plants into “pharmaceutical factories,” in tightly controlled and regulated hydroponic greenhouses, the scientists have produced compounds such as human insulin and cancer-fighting supplements.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


“The new technology re-connects ethical drugs with plants, their original source before synthetic drugs came to dominate the marketplace,” commented research team leader Dr. Ilya Raskin, a professor of biology at the university.


The research team now plans to partner with local farmers in New Jersey through the US company Phytomedics. It is hoped that with training farmers will then select to grow plants with regard to their therapeutic values rather than their value as food.


To visit the website of Rutgers University, click here.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Food Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Food Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Winning five categories in the 2025 Just Food Excellence Awards, Centric Software is setting the pace for digital transformation in food and FMCG. Explore how its integrated PLM and PXM suite delivers faster launches, smarter compliance and data-driven growth for complex, multi-channel product portfolios.

Discover the Impact