In the world of natural sciences, especially drug development, there are many areas of research that can improve our lives substantially. Green chemistry or sustainable chemistry is the term used to describe the kind of chemistry that tries to curb pollution, save energy and thus produce chemicals in the most environmentally friendly way possible. Green chemistry is, therefore, also playing an increasingly important role in the development of environmentally friendly and efficient technologies, for example, in the production of drugs and their precursors.
The initiator of the project is Dr. Clemens Zwergel. Being born in the Saarland region, he graduated in Pharmacy in Saarbrücken. After his doctoral studies in Metz, France, he is currently working as an assistant professor in Rome at the Department of Drug Chemistry and Technology at Sapienza University. At this important centre for pharmaceutical science and research, the team around Zwergel, together with his mentor Prof. Dr. Antonello Mai – is working on innovative green synthesis methods. They have initiated and received approval for a project on green methods in drug development funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research and the EU, together with PharmBiotec gGmbH.
PharmBioTec gGmbH, with its new site in Schiffweiler, Germany, is led by Dr Marius Hittinger, CEO. The company is specialised in the design and synthesis of compound libraries for hit-to-lead and lead optimisation using state-of-the-art environmentally friendly and sustainable methods. Another branch of the company’s research department deals with innovative assays able to replace animal testing in the preclinical development phase of drugs.
As a former start-up of Saarland University, PharmBioTec gGmbH works closely with academic institutions and research facilities to promote a cooperative and interdisciplinary approach to drug development.
The new cooperation project between the Saarland-based company and the Sapienza University in Rome focuses on green chemistry and ecological responsibility to ensure that the development of new drugs goes hand in hand with minimal environmental impact.
Together with Dr. Marius Hittinger from PharmBioTec, the researchers from Italy aim to integrate environmentally friendly chemical processes into the development of innovative drugs resulting in a decreased use of hazardous chemicals and less waste. The clear goal of the partnership is sustainable innovation promoting a cleaner and safer environment.
