Green metrics for biologics

Biologics are the fastest growing segment of the pharmaceutical market, therefore, the environmental impact of manufacturing these drugs needs to be fully characterized. For monoclonal antibodies, in particular, several metrics have been identified as the manufacturing process is quite standardized for batch processes. This paper will provide an overview of carbon footprint analysis, process mass intensity (PMI), water related impact of energy (WARIEN) and life cycle assessment (LCA) as they have been applied to monoclonal antibody production. Further development and standardization of these tools will allow the industry to identify and implement new technologies that significantly lower the environmental impact of not only monoclonal antibody production but other modalities as well.