Sustainability in pharma
Reducing the environmental footprint of drug manufacturing (1,035 words, 5 minutes)
Register now for the 2023 NPC End of Summer Webinar—It’s tomorrow!
The webinar will be held virtually starting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, and will be one hour long and is free to attend. Speakers include Peter Brenders, GM of Beigene Canada, Fanny Sie, Head of AI at Roche International, and Leandra Wells, VP of general medicines at GSK. Space is limited, so sign up today.
It appears that sustainability has moved beyond just being a trendy term and has become an essential matter for those in the industry. While the pharmaceutical field is typically linked with medical advancements, it can also have a considerable impact on the environment, including water contamination from the incorrect disposal of drugs and their byproducts. More than just clinical and regulatory factors, it is now crucial to minimize the environmental impact of drug production.
According to an article published by Qmed and MD+DI Daily, the Covid-19 pandemic was a wake-up call for a more sustainable healthcare industry. The industry needs to adapt to more eco-friendly production methods. The publication notes that this realization is driven by ethical considerations and the growing pressure from governments and consumers for environmentally responsible practices.
Plenty of strategies and initiatives for sustainability in the global pharmaceutical supply chain exist. The website PharmaNewsIntelligence notes that one of the most notable strategies is waste reduction. Adopting strategies to reduce waste and increase recycling not only conserves resources but also reduces costs, ultimately benefiting companies.
Another notable initiative for sustainability is applying the concept of green chemistry. The United States Environmental Protection Agency writes that implementing principles of green chemistry is a pivotal step. These practices minimize the use of hazardous substances and promote energy-efficient processes. This concept aims to change what is being produced and how it is being produced.
Energy conservation is also an initiative currently used in pharmaceutical manufacturing. An article in PharmaTech notes that pharmaceutical companies are increasingly investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal, to reduce their carbon footprint. For example, Amgen is building a bio-manufacturing plant in New Albany, Ohio, which will be complete in 2024 and will be the company’s most sustainable facility. This new green building includes solar panels, LED lighting, energy-efficient technology, and other eco-friendly equipment. Adopting advanced technologies and energy-efficient equipment can substantially cut energy consumption in drug manufacturing facilities.
Finally, water conservation is another critical aspect of sustainable drug manufacturing in the pharmaceutical industry. Implementing water-saving practices and recycling systems can significantly reduce water consumption in drug manufacturing processes. Some companies are using water-efficient equipment, recycling water, and treating wastewater for reuse. For example, Novartis adopted a method to reduce water consumption in their operations by half in 2025 compared to 2016. They also aim to be water-neutral in all operation areas while improving water quality wherever the company operates by 2030.
Additional sources:
https://commetric.com/2022/12/23/sustainability-in-pharma-how-can-pharma-brands-get-greener/
https://www.abpi.org.uk/reputation/sustainability-in-the-pharmaceutical-industry/
THIS WEEK 09/26/23
The European Commission approved Menarini Group’s elacestrant (Orserdu) for Tx of postmenopausal women, and men, with estrogen receptor–positive, HER2-negative, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer with an activating ESR1 mutation.
Lundbeck Canada informed Health Canada that two lots of vigabatrin (Sabril) 500 mg powder for oral solution contained trace amounts of tiapride. Health Canada has determined that the health risk of trace contamination to patients is low, and patients should not stop taking their Sabril as prescribed without consulting their physician.
Asthma Canada announced a partnership with Fellowes Canada to enhance community health and well-being by donating 500 air purifiers with True HEPA filtration.
Takeda announced the U.S. FDA has accepted for review its New Drug Application resubmission for budesonide oral suspension (TAK-721), which is being investigated for the short-term treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis. The re-submission addresses previous FDA feedback to the company’s original NDA submission.
LISTEN UP
In season 10 of the NPC Podcast, Shanil Ebrahim, Partner and National Life Sciences and Healthcare Consulting Leader at Deloitte Canada, discusses improving healthcare literacy, expanding the use and integration of healthcare data, and public-private collaborations promoting equity in healthcare. Hear him in conversation with podcast hosts Mitch Shannon, Jim Shea and Mark McElwain.
HEALTHBIZ REWIND
This feature of NPC Healthbiz Weekly looks back at some of the most insightful moments from previous NPC Podcast episodes. In Healthbiz Rewind, you’ll read bold life sci predictions made during the renowned “Prognostication Korner” segment of the NPC Podcast.
Brian Bloom
Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO
Bloom Burton & Co.
Toronto
Season 10, episode 03
Listen to this episode here
What bold predictions will you make about the life sciences industry during the coming 12 to 24 months?
I think that the investments made now will pay off handsomely, better than we’ve seen since the last financial crisis of 2008. Had you invested in anything in 2008 through 2010, you would have done incredibly well. I think we’re in the same environment now. When the fear index is highest, you should be boldest in making investments.
For the first time in a very long time, the healthcare industry is facing its biggest threat ever: from the United States market, from legislation like the IRA, from policies from CMS and Medicare, and from what’s coming out through executive decision and by the White House. These new rules make the United States a less profitable and less attractive marketplace to commercialize in than before. I don’t think people appreciate that. We certainly don’t here in Canada because launching drugs or products in Canada that are barely reimbursed, where we ration healthcare, we don’t reward innovation. We know that it’s impossible to make a business just in Canada. The whole global healthcare industry depends on the profits available from the U.S. market, and right now, that’s being tinkered with. That could have profound implications for everyone’s math, not just investment math, but [affects] how anyone decides whether they deploy capital, even in the direction of healthcare versus every other sector.
Register now for the 2023 NPC End of Summer Webinar—It’s tomorrow!
The webinar will be held virtually starting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, and will be one hour long and is free to attend. Speakers include Peter Brenders, GM of Beigene Canada, Fanny Sie, Head of AI at Roche International, and Leandra Wells, VP of general medicines at GSK. Space is limited, so sign up today.
Coming up soon: It’s the 17th Annual National Pharmaceutical Congress on Wednesday, November 22, 2023
The 17th Annual National Pharmaceutical Congress will be held on November 22, 2023, at the Mississauga Convention Centre. As Canada’s most significant stage for leaders in the pharmaceutical industry, the Congress presents industry reflections, ideas, and innovations. The Congress is attended by more than 200 delegates annually and is an opportunity to learn, reflect, and network with the industry’s most prominent thought leaders and visionaries. Register now for 50% off the regular price.
NEXT WEEK
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