The pharmaceutical industry…
- produces and develops antibiotics that are effective against bacteria in accordance with strict industry standards; it manufactures known molecules and also develops new ones targeting specific pathogens
- sets up research projects as well as awareness-raising and educational initiatives
Certain companies within the industry…
- support projects promoting equitable access to antibiotics in low-income countries
During production, there is a risk of contaminating the environment through the release of antibiotic residues. These residues can contaminate water and soil, contributing to the development of resistant bacteria in the environment.
The pharmaceutical industry and its subcontractors can reduce antibiotic pollution during production:
- By controlling effluents and discharges
- national regulations and international guidelines set out specific standards
- production plants implement wastewater treatment processes to effectively capture and eliminate antibiotic residues
- companies can carry out regular audits to ensure compliance with best practice and publish a report on measures implemented to reduce the environmental impact of their production processes - By optimising production processes
- the use of advanced technology can help reduce the amount of antibiotics that ‘escape’ during production and limit emissions released into the environment - By fostering international collaboration
- the industry can work with organisations such as the World Health Organization and the World Bank to fund projects aimed at reducing the release and spread of antibiotics into the environment in low-income countries
Industries around the world are also working together, on their own initiative, to reduce the release of antibiotics into the environment (e.g. AMR Industry Alliance).