Green Chemistry in Pharmaceutical Drug Development: A Comprehensive Review

The increasing demand for sustainable practices in the pharmaceutical industry has led to the growing adoption of green chemistry—a science dedicated to designing environmentally friendly chemical processes and products. This comprehensive review explores the evolution, principles, and applications of green chemistry in pharmaceutical drug development. Key focus areas include waste reduction, atom economy, safer solvents, energy efficiency, and renewable feedstocks. The paper discusses how these principles are applied across various stages of drug development, from synthesis to delivery, while highlighting the associated advantages such as improved safety, cost-efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Despite significant progress, the review also addresses existing limitations including high implementation costs, scalability issues, and technological gaps. Overall, green chemistry represents a crucial paradigm shift in pharmaceutical innovation, promoting sustainability without compromising efficacy or safety.