Core Insights - A new drug production technology developed by American researchers can synthesize a chiral molecule from glucose, potentially reducing the production costs of various prescription drugs significantly [1][2] - Chiral drugs are among the most expensive types of medications, with their high costs largely attributed to the expensive chiral building blocks required for synthesis [1] - The innovative process allows for the efficient production of (S)-3-hydroxy-gamma-butyrolactone (HBL), a key component in the synthesis of statins, antibiotics, and HIV inhibitors [1] Cost Reduction and Sustainability - The new method can lower production costs by over 60% compared to traditional petroleum-derived processes, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions [1] - Glucose, which can be extracted from wood pulp and sawdust, provides a sustainable raw material for HBL production, opening new pathways for sustainable manufacturing [1] - The breakthrough in HBL production not only lowers costs for chiral drugs but also allows for the co-production of commercially valuable chemicals like glycolic acid, enhancing economic feasibility [2]