University of Freiburg

PFAS-Free Alternatives Exist for 87% of Human Medicines, Landmark University of Freiburg Report Finds

- A University of Freiburg report commissioned by the German Environment Agency found that 87% of PFAS-containing human medicines and 65% of veterinary medicines already have PFAS-free alternatives available for the same indications. - The study examined 111 human and 28 veterinary active pharmaceutical ingredients classified as PFAS under the OECD definition, with alternatives in development for nearly all remaining human medicines. - Over 80% of the PFAS active ingredients examined have the potential to break down into trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a persistent transformation product considered toxic to reproduction that does not degrade in the environment. - The findings may influence upcoming EU PFAS regulation, as active pharmaceutical ingredients have previously been exempt from planned restrictions due to being considered essential.