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Lusochimica S.p.A. Strengthens Eco-Friendly Drug Synthesis Through STEP Seal Award

Lusochimica S.p.A., a member of the Menarini Group specializing in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), recently announced a significant achievement: it has been awarded the prestigious STEP Seal by the European Commission. This honor not only validates the potential of innovative projects in clean technologies but also highlights Lusochimica's commitment to excellence. The accolade specifically recognizes the SmartNEBI project, which aims to make the synthesis of nebivolol—an approved active ingredient used in treating cardiovascular diseases—more sustainable.

The SmartNEBI initiative is funded under the EU4Health program, emphasizing its critical role in addressing cross-border health challenges through innovative high-quality projects in healthcare. This recognition reinforces SmartNEBI's strategic contribution to the goals outlined by the Strategic Technologies Platform for Europe (STEP), making it clear that this project holds significant value for technological advancement and industrial growth in Europe.

At the heart of the innovation lies the synergy between biocatalysis and flow chemistry. Biocatalysis utilizes enzymes as biological catalysts to conduct chemical transformations efficiently, selectively, and sustainably. In conjunction with flow chemistry, this process operates under enhanced safety conditions, improving heat and mass transfer rates. The combination allows for a more productive, scalable, and environmentally friendly synthesis of nebivolol. Such advancements are expected to reduce the environmental footprint associated with the synthesis, particularly concerning energy consumption.

Roberto Falorni, CEO of Lusochimica S.p.A., expressed immense pride in receiving this recognition. He stated, "This award confirms Menarini Group's commitment to research and development of innovative solutions across the pharmaceutical industry, as well as the ability of our grants and financing team to promote excellence on a European stage." He emphasized that SmartNEBI is a strategic project for Lusochimica, representing a crucial step towards greener, safer, and more efficient pharmaceutical manufacturing. This project aims to decrease solvent consumption and optimize energy usage while enhancing the resilience of the nebivolol supply chain, crucial for the health of millions worldwide.

Lusochimica S.p.A., based in Lomagna (LC), operates within the Menarini Group, which is renowned for its production and synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients and development of scalable manufacturing processes. The company runs three manufacturing facilities in Lomagna, Pisa, and Casaletto Lodigiano (LO), complying with rigorous international standards and good manufacturing practices.

About Menarini Group

The Menarini Group is a pharmaceutical and diagnostic entity headquartered in Florence, active in 140 countries globally. With consolidated revenues of EUR 4.603 billion and a workforce of over 17,000, Menarini operates nine research and development centers focusing on key therapeutic areas, including cardiology, oncology, gastroenterology, pneumology, infectious diseases, diabetology, inflammation, and analgesia. The Group produces and distributes over 609 million packs annually across five continents from 18 manufacturing sites both in Italy and abroad, continuously contributing to global health with the highest quality standards.

For more details, visit Lusochimica's website or Menarini Group's website. Additionally, the STEP initiative, launched by the EU in early 2024, aims to bolster European industry and stimulate investments in critical technologies across the continent.