Promoting sustainable pharmacy for tackling environmental pharmaceutical pollution.
Iker Egaña1, Vladimir Akhrimenko2, Mirari Ayerbe3
1Basque Sustainable Pharmacy & Biotherapy Research Group, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; AMVISA (Aguas Municipales de Vitoria-Gasteiz, S.A.), Water Quality and Treatment Area Pje Las Antillas, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
Drug Discovery Today
|November 27, 2025
Summary
Pharmaceutical pollution harms ecosystems and human health. A sustainable pharmacy framework, from drug development to professional education, is crucial for mitigation and environmental protection.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Pharmaceutical Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Pharmaceuticals, while vital for health, pose significant environmental risks.
- Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, and packaging contribute to global pollution.
- This pollution impacts ecosystems, human health, biodiversity, antimicrobial resistance, and climate change.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically overview existing and emerging initiatives for sustainable pharmacy.
- To identify the role of pharmacy professionals in mitigating pharmaceutical pollution.
- To explore a cradle-to-grave life-cycle approach for pharmaceutical pollution control.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current and emerging sustainable pharmacy initiatives.
- Analysis of pharmaceutical life cycles from development to disposal.
- Identification of mitigation strategies involving pharmacy professionals and regulatory bodies.
Main Results:
- Several initiatives are emerging to reduce pharmaceutical pollution.
- Key strategies include benign-by-design drug development and a One Health approach.
- Advancing regulatory frameworks and professional education are vital.
Conclusions:
- A sustainable pharmacy framework is essential to combat pharmaceutical pollution.
- Pharmacy professionals play a critical role across the drug life cycle.
- Integrating sustainable practices is necessary for environmental and human health protection.
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