The environmental impact of medicines is an increasingly critical area of research due to the pervasive presence of pharmaceuticals and their metabolites in ecosystems, posing significant risks to non-target organisms. The United Nations Environment Program has identified Environmentally Persistent Pharmaceutical Products as a pressing issue, necessitating immediate action. This concern is echoed in several Sustainable Development Goals, particularly goals 3.9, 6.3, and 12.4, which call for responsible management of chemical pollutants and waste, including pharmaceuticals. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development has also highlighted pharmaceutical residues in freshwater as a global challenge, advocating for multisectoral interventions to address this complex issue. While some regions and organizations have begun implementing measures to mitigate the environmental presence of pharmaceuticals, many areas still lack comprehensive strategies. Pharmaceutical waste, encompassing development, manufacture, usage, and disposal, enters the environment through various pathways, including improper disposal, patient excretion, and manufacturing emissions. Veterinary pharmaceuticals, particularly antimicrobials, further exacerbate this environmental burden. Low and Middle-Income countries, with limited resources and regulatory oversight, are especially vulnerable to these impacts, underscoring the need for targeted research and intervention.

This Research Topic aims to collate and showcase the most recent progress regarding the environmental footprint of medicines. It seeks to address key questions such as the extent of pharmaceutical pollution, the effectiveness of current regulations, and the development of innovative solutions to mitigate environmental impacts. The research will test hypotheses related to the efficacy of green chemistry practices and the role of ecopharmacovigilance in reducing pharmaceutical residues. By exploring these areas, the research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the environmental challenges posed by pharmaceuticals and to inform policy and practice.
To gather further insights into the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Environmental regulations for pharmaceutical products
- Studies investigating the burden of pharmaceuticals and their metabolites in the environment
- The development of pragmatic interventions and solutions
- Green chemistry in pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Ecopharmacovigilance/ecotoxicology and one-health approaches

This research topic accepts Original Research and Review articles, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge and future directions in this critical field.

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Frontiers in Pharmacology

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