GSK DRIVES MANUFACTURING ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS

GSK is implementing both the PNEC targets and the Common Antibiotic Manufacturing Framework across its own operations and rolling out the requirements to suppliers. The large research-based pharmaceutical company is committed to ensuring that discharges of active antibiotics are at or below science-driven acceptable targets by the end of 2020.

In auditing and assessing its antibiotics suppliers, GSK prioritizes countries like China and India where significant work will likely be needed for manufacturers to meet the Alliance standards. The company takes a carrot and stick approach; working with suppliers on remedial action while warning that continued non-compliance may result in the non-renewal of contracts.

This strategy is bearing results. One Indian supplier moved from non-compliance with the standards to full compliance in less than two months. The manufacturer’s actions have minimized the amount of antibiotic entering wastewater before treatment, substantially reducing environmental discharges afterwards.

GSK with Centrient and the Alliance also supports local antibiotic manufacturers in China, India and elsewhere through a public-private partnership, Reducing AMR through Sustainable Manufacturing (RATSAM), which acts as a best practice forum to agree on actions to improve local manufacturing standards. In addition, the company is starting to work with governments on economic incentives to reward manufacturers who have adopted best manufacturing practice.