What Are PFAS And How Do They Impact The Biotech Industry?

By James Hathcock, Principal Director, Regulatory and Validation Strategy, Quality and Regulatory Affairs, Cytiva

The growing awareness around “forever chemicals”—fluorinated compounds that resist degradation—is reshaping how industries think about environmental responsibility. These substances, often found in plastics and elastomers, are now linked to serious health risks including liver damage, fertility issues, and cancer. As regulatory bodies tighten restrictions on their use, the pharmaceutical industry faces a critical inflection point. From manufacturing processes to packaging and waste management, every stage of the product life cycle is under scrutiny. The challenge lies not only in compliance, but in anticipating how evolving regulations will influence innovation, supply chains, and long-term sustainability strategies. For pharmaceutical companies, understanding the implications of these changes is essential.

Explore how the industry is responding—and what’s next—as environmental accountability becomes a non-negotiable.