Insights

March 6, 2018 – Pfizer CentreOne today announced the introduction of Enviero™ progesterone into the API marketplace. Enviero progesterone is produced by a first-of-its-kind progesterone synthesis developed by Pfizer that reduces waste, greenhouse gas emissions and use of hazardous solvents. Results include cutting the carbon footprint of the progesterone manufacturing process by more than 70 percent and eliminating the use of metal catalysts. Pfizer CentreOne is a global contract manufacturing organization embedded within Pfizer Inc. and a leading supplier of steroid and hormone APIs and intermediates.

“Enviero green-chemistry progesterone represents a step change in progesterone API synthesis,” said Greg Scanlon, API business lead for Pfizer CentreOne. “And it’s in keeping with Pfizer’s commitment to reduce its impact on the environment.” Developed over 12 years, Enviero (“En-VI-ro”) progesterone is manufactured via a proprietary biocatalytic process based on plant sterols. Scanlon continued, “We are pleased to offer Enviero progesterone to customers looking for a reliable supply of high-quality progesterone for their medicines.”

Validated process

While new to Pfizer CentreOne customers, Enviero progesterone has been used by Pfizer as an intermediate in the manufacture of its own medications for the past four years. More than 500 metric tons have been manufactured to date for internal use.

The compound is manufactured exclusively in the United States at Pfizer’s Kalamazoo, Michigan, facility. As with all Pfizer CentreOne APIs, all processing steps for Enviero progesterone are performed under Pfizer’s stringent quality management system, and the compound is backed by technical and regulatory support for the life of the product.

Green chemistry

Enviero progesterone is the first API to be launched from Pfizer CentreOne’s green-chemistry program. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Green chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances.” Green chemistry is applied at the process level – in this case, API synthesis – to minimize waste and pollution upfront.