#Italy #Lusochimica #SmartNEBI #Lomagna #STEP Seal

Introduction

Lusochimica S.p.A., part of the Menarini Group, has achieved a significant milestone by earning the prestigious STEP Seal awarded by the European Commission. This recognition comes alongside funding from the European Union for their groundbreaking project, SmartNEBI. This initiative aims to create a greener and more sustainable synthesis process for nebivolol, a crucial active pharmaceutical ingredient used in treating cardiovascular diseases.

STEP Seal Award

The STEP Seal is granted to projects that demonstrate potential in clean technologies, certifying their excellence and commitment to sustainability. SmartNEBI stands out by focusing on more efficient and less harmful production processes, setting a new standard in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

The SmartNEBI Project

Managed by the Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) of the European Commission, SmartNEBI is funded under the EU4Health program, which tackles cross-border health challenges through innovative, high-quality projects. This approval highlights the strategic importance of SmartNEBI within the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), signifying its contribution to technological and industrial advancement in Europe.

The project integrates biocatalysis and flow chemistry. Biocatalysis employs enzymes as biological catalysts to achieve selective chemical transformations that are efficient and environmentally friendly. Flow chemistry enables operations to be carried out more efficiently and safely, optimizing heat and mass transfer. This innovative combination allows for a more productive, scalable, and sustainable synthesis of nebivolol, ultimately reducing environmental impact and energy consumption.

Commitment to Innovation

Roberto Falorni, General Manager of Lusochimica S.p.A., expressed pride in receiving this acknowledgment, emphasizing the Menarini Group's dedication to innovative research and development throughout the pharmaceutical industry. "SmartNEBI is a strategic project for Lusochimica and represents a key step towards greener, safer, and more efficient pharmaceutical production. It minimizes solvent usage, optimizes energy consumption, and strengthens the resilience of the nebivolol supply chain, a critical medicine for millions of patients globally," he stated.

About Lusochimica S.p.A.

Lusochimica S.p.A. is an Italian company under the Menarini Group, focusing on the production and synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and the development of scalable manufacturing processes. The company operates three production sites in Lomagna, Pisa, and Casaletto Lodigiano, adhering to strict international cGMP standards.

About the Menarini Group

Based in Florence, the Menarini Group operates in 140 countries, with a consolidated revenue of €4.603 billion and a workforce of over 17,000 employees. The company maintains 9 research and development centers and is active in critical therapeutic areas such as cardiology, oncology, gastroenterology, pulmonary diseases, infectious diseases, diabetes, inflammation, and analgesia. Their pharmaceutical production includes 18 manufacturing sites, producing and distributing over 609 million packages annually across five continents. The Menarini Group's commitment to high-quality production standards continually enhances patient health worldwide.

Conclusion

The STEP Seal and EU funding not only recognize Lusochimica's innovative efforts but also mark a significant advancement towards sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing. Projects like SmartNEBI could greatly influence the industry's future direction, promoting environmentally friendly practices while ensuring the ongoing supply of essential medications.

In summary, Lusochimica S.p.A. continues to lead in the pharmaceutical sector, demonstrating that sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand for the betterment of health systems globally.