Modernizing USP Standards for a Greener Future

USP executive discusses how the organization is supporting sustainability efforts in the pharmaceutical industry.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 10:31am

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Anthony Lakavage, executive vice president and head of Global External Affairs at the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), discusses how the organization is working to modernize its standards and guidelines to help the pharmaceutical industry become more environmentally sustainable.

Why it matters

As the pharmaceutical industry faces growing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, organizations like USP play a crucial role in establishing standards and best practices that can guide companies towards more sustainable operations and product development.

The details

Lakavage explains that USP is actively reviewing its compendial standards and general chapters to identify opportunities to incorporate sustainability considerations. This includes evaluating packaging, manufacturing processes, and other areas where the industry can minimize waste, conserve resources, and lower carbon emissions.

  • The USP is currently in the process of modernizing its standards and guidelines to support sustainability.

The players

Anthony Lakavage

Executive vice president and head of Global External Affairs at the United States Pharmacopeia (USP).

United States Pharmacopeia (USP)

An independent, scientific, non-profit organization that sets standards for the identity, strength, quality, and purity of medicines, food ingredients, and dietary supplements manufactured, distributed, and consumed worldwide.

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What they’re saying

“We're looking at our compendial standards and general chapters to identify opportunities to incorporate sustainability considerations, whether that's around packaging, manufacturing processes, or other areas where the industry can minimize waste, conserve resources, and lower carbon emissions.”

— Anthony Lakavage, Executive Vice President and Head of Global External Affairs

The takeaway

As the pharmaceutical industry faces growing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, organizations like USP are playing a crucial role in establishing standards and best practices that can guide companies towards more sustainable operations and product development.