WHO Pushes Regulatory Reforms for Greener Medicines

The virtual forum, held on 8 May 2026, examined how regulatory systems can help support the transition toward lower-carbon pharmaceutical products while maintaining access to safe, effective and high-quality medicines.

More than 100 representatives from regulatory agencies, health organizations, pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions and international partners gathered for a World Health Organization-led consultation focused on reducing the environmental impact of medicines. The virtual forum, held on 8 May 2026, examined how regulatory systems can help support the transition toward lower-carbon pharmaceutical products while maintaining access to safe, effective and high-quality medicines.

The discussions form part of WHO's ongoing work to develop its upcoming White Paper on the Greener Pharmaceuticals' Regulatory Highway, a framework designed to identify practical ways regulators can support sustainability efforts across the pharmaceutical sector. WHO officials said the goal is not to weaken existing safety standards but to identify areas where regulations can encourage innovation, remove unnecessary barriers and help accelerate environmental progress.

Manufacturing Identified as Major Source of Emissions

Participants heard evidence showing that a significant portion of emissions linked to healthcare products originates during the manufacturing process, particularly in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients used in medicines. Experts highlighted that many opportunities already exist to reduce emissions through cleaner manufacturing technologies, improved production methods and more efficient supply chains. Several speakers noted that substantial environmental gains may be achievable without increasing costs or limiting patient access to essential treatments.

The consultation also explored ways to make pharmaceutical supply chains more resilient to climate-related challenges. Improving the stability of medicines in high temperatures and adapting production systems to increasingly extreme weather conditions were identified as important priorities. WHO's Department of Regulation and Prequalification Director Dr Rogério Gaspar said the initiative seeks to identify where current regulatory systems may unintentionally slow sustainability efforts and where greater flexibility could help support greener solutions.

Procurement and Global Cooperation Seen as Key Drivers

One of the strongest themes emerging from the consultation was the growing influence of procurement policies in driving environmental improvements across the pharmaceutical industry.

Participants discussed how large healthcare purchasers can encourage suppliers to measure, report and reduce emissions throughout their operations. Examples shared by global health partners showed how coordinated procurement requirements can create incentives for companies to invest in cleaner technologies and sustainable practices.

Representatives from NHS England highlighted ongoing work to introduce lower-carbon inhalers while maintaining high standards of patient care. The example demonstrated how cooperation between regulators, healthcare providers and manufacturers can help bring environmentally friendly products to market more efficiently.

Throughout the discussions, stakeholders repeatedly called for greater international alignment on sustainability standards, emissions measurement methods and reporting requirements. Many argued that harmonized approaches would reduce complexity, avoid duplication and allow countries to compare progress more effectively.

The consultation will help shape WHO's White Paper, scheduled for publication in July 2026. Ahead of that release, regulatory leaders from around the world are expected to meet again at the Global Regulators Summit on 19 June to discuss practical steps for implementing greener pharmaceutical policies.

Participants agreed that addressing climate challenges in healthcare will require close cooperation between regulators, governments, manufacturers, procurement agencies and health systems. The shared goal, they said, is to reduce emissions while ensuring that patients everywhere continue to receive reliable access to essential medicines.