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Pfizer CentreOne Launches Enviero Progesterone API

Green-chemistry progesterone synthesis reduces carbon footprint by more than 70%

By: Kristin Brooks

Managing Editor, Contract Pharma

Pfizer CentreOne has introduced Enviero progesterone into the API marketplace. Enviero progesterone is produced by a first-of-its-kind progesterone synthesis developed by Pfizer that reduces waste, greenhouse gas emissions and use of hazardous solvents. Results include reducing the carbon footprint of the progesterone manufacturing process by more than 70 percent1 and eliminating the use of metal catalysts. Pfizer CentreOne, a global contract manufacturing organization embedded within Pfizer Inc., is a supplier of steroid and hormone APIs and intermediates.
 
“Enviero green-chemistry progesterone represents a step change in progesterone API synthesis,” said Greg Scanlon, API business lead for Pfizer CentreOne. “And it’s in keeping with Pfizer’s commitment to reduce its impact on the environment.2 ”Developed over 12 years, Enviero (“En-VI-ro”) progesterone is manufactured via a proprietary biocatalytic3 process based on plant sterols. Scanlon continued, “We are pleased to offer Enviero progesterone to customers looking for a reliable supply of high-quality progesterone for their medicines.”
 
While new to Pfizer CentreOne customers, Enviero progesterone has been used by Pfizer as an intermediate in the manufacture of its own medications for the past four years. More than 500 metric tons have been manufactured to date for internal use.
 
The compound is manufactured exclusively in the U.S. at Pfizer’s Kalamazoo, MI, facility. All processing steps for Enviero progesterone are performed under Pfizer’s quality management system, and the compound is backed by technical and regulatory support for the life of the product.
  
Enviero progesterone is the first API to be launched from Pfizer CentreOne’s green-chemistry program. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Green chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances.”4 Green chemistry is applied at the process level – in this case, API synthesis – to minimize waste and pollution upfront.


References:

1. Compared to Pfizer’s traditional progesterone process
2. www.pfizer.com/purpose/environmental-sustainability/green-journey; accessed February 26, 2018
3. “Biocatalysis is the use of biological catalysts, such as enzymes, to perform chemical transformations on organic compounds.” Biocatalysis in Sustainable Development, sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/5614Bio-catalysis.pdf; accessed February 26, 2018
4. www.epa.gov/greenchemistry/basics-green-chemistry; accessed February 26, 2018

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