Green Chemistry In Action

In 2002, Pfizer was one of the “Green Chemistry Challenge” winners for its alternative manufacturing process for Sertraline Hydrochloride, the active ingredient in Zoloft. This drug is one of the most commonly prescribed anti-depression medications in the US, with over 38 million prescriptions.

Merck recently has also developed a “greener” way to produce Molnupiravir, an anti-viral medication for COVID-19, shortening the manufacturing steps, cutting liquid waste, and increasing the yield by more than 1.5-fold.

Getting 770,000 automobiles off the roads

Merck and Codexis innovated the production of Sitagliptin Phosphate, which is the active ingredient in Januvia, a leading drug for type 2 diabetes. Compared to the 1st generation process, the new manufacturing workflow reduced waste by 5 times, estimated to translate to at least 150 million kg of waste reduction over the lifetime of the drug.

Green chemistry strives to lower the carbon footprint and hazardous by-products of industrial chemical processes without compromising productivity by reducing waste at the source rather than at the disposal. Adopting green chemistry is beneficial from a business standpoint where products can be created with higher efficiency, or lower costs. More importantly, it directly reduces hazardous chemicals released into the environment, creating a cleaner environment for everyone.