#Italy #Menarini #Lusochimica #SmartNEBI #Lomagna

Lusochimica S.p.A. Recognized for Sustainable Practices

Lusochimica S.p.A., part of the Menarini Group, has recently been honored with the esteemed STEP Seal by the European Commission. This award acknowledges the company's commitment to innovative and clean technologies, particularly for its SmartNEBI project that aims to render the synthesis of nebivolol—a key pharmaceutical ingredient used in cardiovascular treatments—more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

The STEP Seal is a recognition given to promising projects in the field of clean technology, validating their potential for contributing to a greener future. The SmartNEBI initiative stands out for its innovative approach, targeting not just the efficiency of nebivolol production but also its environmental impact.

The SmartNEBI project is financially supported by the EU’s EU4Health program, which aims to address cross-border health issues through high-quality, innovative health sector projects. This support highlights SmartNEBI's strategic importance, emphasizing its value to technological and industrial development in Europe.

What makes SmartNEBI innovative is its integration of biocatalysis and flow chemistry. Biocatalysis uses enzymes as biological catalysts to facilitate chemical changes in a selective, efficient, and environmentally sound manner. Flow chemistry, on the other hand, enhances operational efficiency by allowing for better heat and mass transfer while maintaining safety standards during chemical reactions. By combining these methods, Lusochimica envisions a more productive and scalable synthesis of nebivolol, resulting in reduced environmental burden, especially concerning energy consumption.

Roberto Falorni, the General Manager of Lusochimica S.p.A., stated, “We are very proud to receive this recognition, which underscores the Menarini Group's commitment to research and the development of innovative solutions across the pharmaceutical landscape. SmartNEBI is a strategic project for Lusochimica, representing a significant step towards producing medicines that are not only effective but also more sustainable and safer for the environment.” He further added that the project reduces solvent usage, optimizes energy consumption, and enhances the stability of the nebivolol supply chain—a vital medication for millions around the globe.

About Lusochimica S.p.A.

Lusochimica S.p.A. operates under the Menarini Group umbrella and specializes in the synthesis and production of pharmaceutical active ingredients (APIs). Its headquarters are located in Lomagna, Italy, with additional manufacturing facilities in Pisa and Casaletto Lodigiano. Lusochimica adheres strictly to international cGMP standards in all its production processes, demonstrating its commitment to quality and excellence.

About the Menarini Group

The Menarini Group is a leading pharmaceutical and diagnostics company headquartered in Florence, Italy, operating in 140 countries worldwide. With a consolidated revenue of €4.603 billion and more than 17,000 employees, Menarini invests significantly in research and development across major therapeutic areas, such as cardiology, oncology, gastroenterology, and more. The company’s pharmaceutical production is performed in 18 manufacturing sites across Italy and abroad, where over 609 million units are produced annually for distribution on five continents. Menarini’s outstanding manufacturing capabilities consistently contribute to global health care standards.

Conclusion

The recognition of Lusochimica S.p.A. through the STEP Seal is a testament to its ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability in the pharmaceutical industry. As the demand for greener and more sustainable production methods increases, projects like SmartNEBI showcase the potential pathways to achieve those goals, benefiting not only the industry but also the health and well-being of patients worldwide.