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Organic synthesis is a rate-limiting factor in drug discovery, so the pharmaceutical industry heavily relies on academic research. This Perspective highlights some of the most pressing challenges to be overcome from the industrial viewpoint — such as the development of reactions tolerating specific functionalities — and encourages stronger industry–academia relationships. Credit: Pills image: Profimedia.CZ a.s. / Alamy Stock Photo; Factory image: Diana Johanna Velasquez / Alamy Stock Vector; Graduate hat: Michael Burrell / Alamy Stock Photo; Conical flask: Astex.
