Green chemistry, a pharmaceutical perspective

As the Green Chemistry(1,2) movement has gained momentum, definitions of Green Chemistry have been dominated predominantly by academic viewpoints. Green Chemistry concepts, however, apply to an incredible diversity of scientific endeavor, which has invariably led to differences between and amongst both academia and industry regarding what constitutes Green Chemistry. Speaking primarily of the pharmaceutical industry and considering the advances achieved toward promoting Green Chemistry globally,(3) it is surprising how diverse the answers can be when executives, engineers, biologists, and chemists are asked the seemingly simple question What is Green Chemistry? Perhaps this should he expected considering that individual priorities change based upon a specific endeavor, altering the focus of Green Chemistry and consequently the message, making general definitions difficult. A common impression obtained appears to be that many do not accurately know or fully understand the true motivations, drivers, and deciding factors that serve to inspire and define Green Chemistry, and in particular Pharmaceutical Green Chemistry. This commentary seeks to shed light upon key aspects with regard to the philosophy of Pharmaceutical Green Chemistry.