ScinoPharm was named as sole supplier of the API for Melinta Therapeutics’ drug Baxdela (delafloxacin) earlier this month. At the time the firm told us it expects to make several tonnes of the antibiotic drug ingredient at its facility in Tainan each year.
Antibiotic ingredient production has been in the spotlight in recent years after research suggested unscrupulous suppliers’ failure to treat wastewater is accelerating the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
The findings – where were supported by a study last year – prompted industry groups and responsible suppliers to explain how they ensure their antibiotic ingredient manufacturing operations are not exacerbating the spread of resistance.
In keeping with this ScinoPharm told us about its efforts to make sure water used in API production is treated appropriately.
A spokeswoman for the firm told us “All wastewater generated during the production process is treated and discharged in compliance with all governing regulations and laws in on-site wastewater treatment facilities.
ScinoPharm facility, which is located in the Southern Taiwan Science Park, operates a precise water treatment system according to the spokeswoman.
“All kinds of wastewaterare strictly categorized at process tools, and collected to wastewater treatment facilities through separated piping, carefully operated and maintained by professional teams to comply with the standards of the Science Park Administration (SPA).”
The park’s infrastructure also plays a role in treating water used at the Scinopharm facility.
The contractor’s spokeswoman told us “the water is then discharged to the SPA wastewater treatment plant for further treatment after professional teams ensure the discharge complies with SPA standards.
She added that: “The treated wastewater is discharged to rivers from the SPA's wastewater treatment plants in compliance with river discharge standards.”