Enabling responsible antibiotic manufacturing: A value chain approach

Emissions of antibiotics into the environment during pharmaceutical manufacturing contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This ties the human and environmental health aspects of the ‘One Health’ approach to sustainable manufacturing and water resource management.

Proactive procurers and industry representatives are committed to addressing the risks posed by AMR caused by manufacturing emissions. . However, to increase impact and efficiency, harmonisation of approaches and regulation are key factors. Several ongoing processes at the EU level (in relation to pharmaceutical, environmental, and procurement regulation) contribute to such an enabling ecosystem.

The Responsible Antibiotics Manufacturing Platform (RAMP) aims to reduce antibiotic discharge from manufacturing through improved industry practice, supported by corresponding incentives. To achieve this, RAMP brings together different stakeholders from both policy and the market side (e.g. public procurers) as well as manufacturers to share experience, improve mutual understanding, and develop mutually-agreed criteria.

RAMP provides procurers with access to information about manufacturing practices and aligns procurement with other relevant processes in this field. The project not only targets procurers that are already actively working in this field, but also those looking for solutions to address this challenge.

This session will bring together pioneers in this area - manufacturers, procurers and regulators - to discuss best practices and how they can be scaled for impact. 

Speakers include representatives from WHO, EU member states, the European Commission, the pharmaceutical industry, and procurement practitioners.