Complexity-Based Metric for Process Mass Intensity in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Process mass intensity (PMI) is a key metric for evaluating the sustainability of a manufacturing process. Within Eli Lilly and Co. (Lilly), a process based on the molecular complexity and the projected market demand has been adopted to set PMI targets for prospective drugs. This strategy is described. PMIs for relevant molecules from publications in this journal were also calculated and compared to the model. These data illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of the model