Approaches for the Implementation of Sustainability along the Pharmaceutical Life Cycle

Due to extensive resource use, the earth system and humanity face multiple challenges, with several planetary boundaries already crossed. The health care system contributes to this, particularly through micropollutants and pharmaceutical residues in the environment. An ageing society with rising polymedication will further increase pharmaceutical inputs into the environment. Since pharmaceuticals are designed for efficacy at low doses and metabolic stability, these properties cause environmental harm and persistence. Sustainable pharmacy requires addressing environmental, societal, and economic sustainability across the pharmaceutical life cycle. As few German research groups work on this, this thesis aimed to establish foundational projects along this cycle. In R&D, work focused on improving biodegradability of diclofenac, an NSAID with low topical absorption (5–6%) that harms birds, fish, and other organisms. The alternative ökofenac retained pharmacodynamic/-kinetic properties but showed mixed biodegradability: anaerobic degradation improved, aerobic degradation decreased. Two approaches addressed more efficient resource use: (1) multiplexed kinase activity screening, reducing extensive single-kinase testing; and (2) evaluating human platelet lysate as a sustainable FBS replacement. Two NSCLC cell lines remained stable, while HCC827 showed altered phenotype due to changed integrin signalling. At prescription/dispensation, a concept for an environmental classification system for pharmaceuticals in Germany was developed. Freely accessible teaching materials and a roadmap for integrating sustainability into pharmacy/medical education were also created. Several projects show further potential: the classification system was highlighted by the German Environment Agency for practical implementation; platelet lysate remains promising, especially for mesenchymal stem cells; teaching materials require regular updates and stronger curricular integration is relevant given ongoing reform of licensing regulations. This work provides a solid foundation for future research in sustainable pharmacy.

Level thesis:degree_level

thesis.doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher

Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel

Year

2026

Author dc:creator

• Woitaske-Proske, Clemens

Contributors dc:contributor

• Peifer, Christian
• Maser, Edmund

• Sustainable Pharmacy
• Pharmaceuticals in the Environment
• Micropollutants
• Biodegradation
• Planetary Boundaries
• Human Platelet Lysate
• Kinase Activity Screening
• Environmental Classification System
• Pharmaceutical Life Cycle
• Sustainability Education in Health Care

Repository record source_url

https://macau.uni-kiel.de/receive/macau_mods_00008739

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:macau.uni-kiel.de:macau_mods_00008739