Sustainable Manufacturing Practices Are Critical to Save Antibiotics

Joint Workshop in Vietnam organized by Centrient Pharmaceuticals and Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, on Sustainability through Excellence in Manufacturing (STEM)

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#Centrient–Centrient Pharmaceuticals, global leader in producing sustainable antibiotics, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), New Delhi organized a workshop today on ‘Sustainability through Excellence in Manufacturing (STEM)’ to impart advanced training and education to industry stakeholders on quality, regulatory and manufacturing clean and sustainable pharmaceuticals. The workshop was attended by approximately 50 participants , from various departments which includes Manufacturing, R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Control/Assurance and Purchasing from the leading pharmaceutical companies in Vietnam.

According to the World Health Organization, AMR accounts for an estimated 700,000 deaths per year globally and this number is growing rapidly. In addition by 2030, AMR will represent up to US$ 3.4 trillion in GDP loss. Immediate action is incumbent. However, to produce effective outcomes, a deeper understanding of the subject, the technical know-how and a stronger knowledge base must be created amongst the key industry players and stakeholders. STEM workshops are a step in this direction.

Tim Rutten, Business Director – Asia Pacific and Africa, Centrient Pharmaceuticals, stated, “Stakeholders across the entire industry need to unite and work in close association with the Governments and NGO’s to address the issue of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). It is essential that antibiotics are preserved for the health and well-being of future generations. The pharmaceutical industry needs to take a leading role to ensure Antibiotics are produced sustainably and effective waste management is applied to prevent antibiotics entering into the environment and thereby address this driver of AMR. Sustainability is a an integral part of Centrient’s every days business, operations and strategy. Via this workshop we aim to share and leverage expertise among industry partners, to jointly raise the bar and fight the global threat of AMR.”

According to Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), Hanoi, AMR is a growing issue in Vietnam. 90% of antibiotics are sold over the counter and are often used for viral infections for which they have no effect. Alongside, antimicrobials are overused in poultry and animal food production processes.

AMR has, hence, become a pressing matter in Vietnam which needs to be dealt with on multiple levels ranging from the state, medical professionals, Pharmaceutical Industry, market and the consumers. There is an increased need of trained manpower, particularly in the industrial and pharma sector across all spectrums of the production process.

Prof. Anurag S. Rathore, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, stated, “A strong combination of technological innovation and research is needed to grapple with AMR. Sensitization, public awareness, and training of personnel can help to deal with the problem on a national front. The preservation of antibiotics is very relevant to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

The commitment of Vietnam to deal with AMR is reflected in the programs and policies. Vietnam became the first country, in 2013, to approve a national action plan to combat AMR, in the WHO’s Western Pacific region. An aide memoire was also signed by the Vietnamese government with the WHO. Following this, an inter-ministerial surveillance strategy has been put in action based on international recommendations.

About Centrient Pharmaceuticals:

Centrient Pharmaceuticals is the leading manufacturer of beta-lactam antibiotics, and a provider of next generation statins and anti-fungals. We stand proudly at the center of modern healthcare, as a maker of essential and life-saving medicines.

Contacts

Sharat Shyam, AvianWE – [email protected]