The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has honored Amgen with a 2017 Green Chemistry Challenge Award. The EPA recognized Amgen as a green chemistry innovator for its work, in conjunction with its manufacturing partner, Bachem, in applying green-chemistry practices in the manufacture of the synthetic peptide drug Parsabiv™ (etelcalcetide).
“The green chemistry approach developed and implemented by Amgen and Bachem for the manufacture of Parsabiv™ is an excellent example of scientific innovation resulting in both the evolution of our manufacturing technology and benefits to the environment,” said Margaret Faul, executive director, Process Development.
Through green chemistry practices, Amgen and Bachem successfully eliminated one of five manufacturing steps and significantly optimized the remaining four. This innovative approach has positively impacted manufacturing operations, cost, and the environment, achieving a 71 percent reduction in solvent use, a five-fold increase in manufacturing capacity, and more than 50 percent reduction in operating time. Amgen expects to conserve significant amounts of energy and water and generate much less waste per gram of product thanks to green chemistry practices.
“This success is representative of the broad innovation culture at Amgen and our steadfast commitment to responsible, sustainable operations,” said Faul. “We are proving that environmentally responsible operations help us reduce costs, increase speed and efficiency and mitigate our impact on the environment as we work to reach patients around the world with our medicines.”
The Green Chemistry Challenge Awards Program recognizes individuals and organizations on a national level for successfully researching, developing, and implementing outstanding green chemical technologies. The EPA honored Amgen at a ceremony on June 12, 2017 at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C.
“This was the first time Amgen participated in this prestigious awards program and I am happy for our achievement,” said Sheng Cui, principal scientist and drug substance lead for Parsabiv™. “It’s recognition of our innovation mindset for process development and strong culture of green chemistry.”
