SUSTAINABILITY
regulatory expertise are pivotal in overcoming these challenges .
Balancing these intricate facets is essential to ensure a smooth and effective shift towards reduced emissions of GHGs while maintaining the quality and efficacy of inhalation drug products . Partnership with an experienced CDMO , with expertise not only in formulation and development but also critical component design and supply and finished product manufacturing , can be critical in delivering high-quality inhalers that meet legislative demands .
A crucial step in creating more sustainable pMDIs is through innovation and collaboration with companies working towards “ greener ” solutions . Strategic alliances and information sharing are instrumental in accelerating innovation and the uptake of technologies with less impact on the environment within the pharmaceutical industry . The benefits of collaborative innovation can be seen in the following areas :
• Technological expertise : Collaboration provides access to a broader pool of technological expertise , particularly from organisations specialising in less polluting solutions , facilitating the development of low-GWP pMDIs , optimised critical device components , such as valves and actuators , and efficient manufacturing processes with a focus to reduce climate and environmental impact
• Shared R & D : Strategic alliances often involve shared research and development initiatives , expediting progress in designing energyefficient production methods , optimising drug formulations for reduced emissions and creating inhaler devices with a lower climate impact
• Access to cutting-edge equipment : Working with partners may grant access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities , enhancing the ability to conduct specialised experiments and analyses related to emission reduction
• Data-driven insights : Cooperation facilitates the collection and sharing of emissionsrelated product data , enabling deeper insights into emission profiles and supporting targeted emission reduction strategies and accurate reporting
• Technical standardisation : Collaborative efforts often involve the establishment of specific technical guidelines and standards aimed at reducing emissions . These efforts allow for the development of standardised methodologies and technologies for emission reduction that can be consistently and effectively implemented across the entire industry The beneficiaries of collaboration extend beyond the partners themselves . Patients benefit from the development of inhalers with a reduced environmental impact that promote both their health and the health of the planet . Sustainable practices in healthcare systems not only reduce their environmental impact , they also have the potential to lower costs and create a more ecologically responsible healthcare infrastructure .
Need for expert support
The pursuit of a future for pMDIs with a lower climate impact is a global endeavour , and its success hinges on ambitious goals . The evolving legislation sets a high benchmark , which is essential if
References : 1 : UNEP : The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol : HFC Phase-down . OzonAction Fact sheet OZFS / 16 / 11 _ 1 , UNEP , Paris , France : 2016 2 : https :// www . cmaj . ca / content / 194 / 12 / E460 3 : https :// www . bmj . com / content / 378 / bmj-2021-069679 4 : https :// www . who . int / news-room / fact-sheets / detail / asthma 5 : EC : Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament & of the Council on fluorinated greenhouse gases , amending Directive ( EU ) 2019 / 1937 and repealing Regulation ( EU ) No . 517 / 2014 [ https :// climate . ec . europa . eu / eu-action / fluorinated-greenhouse-gases _ en # f-gas-emissions-to-be-cutby-two-thirds-by-2030-in-the-eu ]
the pharmaceutical industry is to make a meaningful contribution to the imperative of limiting global temperature increases to below 1.5 ° C .
Collective action is vital . As more pharmaceutical companies embrace GHG emissions-reducing initiatives and engage in similar partnerships , the impact of these efforts amplifies exponentially . Collaboration brings a wealth of benefits , including access to expert advice and support , streamlining the process of setting , adhering to and achieving sustainability goals .
Crucially , CDMOs play an indispensable role in this collaborative journey . Their technical expertise , design capabilities , specialised equipment and resources bolster the industry ’ s capacity to innovate and develop sustainable pMDIs . Together , through innovation , technical expertise and shared commitment , the industry can usher in a sustainable era for pMDIs , contributing to a healthier future for both patients and the planet . ●
Åsa Bergström
DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY
RECIPHARM k + 46 8 602 5200 J info @ recipharm . com j www . recipharm . com
58 SPECIALITY CHEMICALS MAGAZINE ESTABLISHED 1981