SumOfUs calls for clean up of antibiotics supply chain

US-based organisation SumOfUs has produced a report that states a frequently overlooked cause of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is environmental pollution related to the production of antibiotic intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) for antibiotic drugs.

SumOfUs is a global movement of consumers, investors and activists campaigning for a more sustainable global economy. Based on 200+ independent sources, its report reveals how the production of antibiotics has become a major contributor to AMR through environmental pollution and calls on global API-producing and -using companies to clean up their supply chains. DSM Sinochem Pharmaceuticals (DSP) backs this call.

AMR has been singled out as one of the main risks to mankind by the World Health Organization (WHO). According to SumOfUs, pollution from antibiotic manufacturing has been allowed to contribute to AMR because of irresponsible producers, a lack of regulatory oversight, economic/cost reasons and even lack of knowledge. The report also highlights the fact that pharmaceutical multinationals lack transparency on their supply chains and turn a blind eye to environmental problems associated with manufacturing of drug ingredients.

Karl Rotthier, president of DSM Sinochem Pharmaceuticals, commented: “The newly published report is instrumental in recognising that antibiotic resistance is not exclusively caused by its inappropriate use but also environmental factors such as waste and wastewater management. The solution can be summed up in two words: sustainable antibiotics; they are the only option for our future success — medically, environmentally and ethically."

DSP recently launched its Sustainable Antibiotics Project, which very much reflects the sentiments of SumOfUs' call to action. The SumOfUs report cites three crutical areas where antibiotics producers and pharmaceutical companies must face up to their responsibilities:

1. High quality and responsible production processes to limit the quantity of antibiotics and other toxic chemicals that are released to the environment; 

2. Operate dedicated waste and wastewater management and treatment processes 24/7; 

3. Adopt production techniques that minimise the use of chemicals, which in turn reduces the amount of dangerous residues from API production.