150th Anniversary Edition of the British Pharmacopoeia published
Although the first edition was published in 1864, the origins of the BP extend back to 1618
The 150th Anniversary Edition of the British Pharmacopoeia (BP), the authoritative collection of medicinal standards used and referenced in more than 100 countries, has been published.
With the first edition published in 1864 and the origins of the BP extending back to 1618, the publication of this edition is a significant milestone in the history and development of quality standards for pharmaceuticals.
The 1864 edition contained approximately 1,000 entries, such as the use of sperm whale and almond wax as a cold cream, or yeast poultice as an anti-infective, while the Anniversary Edition contains almost 3,500 monographs, including the new addition of insomnia drug Zolpidem, and introduces a USB-drive of the six volumes for the first time.
Users are also provided with a USB drive of a complimentary, commemorative digital facsimile of the BP 1864.
The 150th Anniversary Edition, or BP 2015, features 39 new monographs, 144 are revisions, and all European Pharmacopoeia monographs are included, making it essential for academics, manufacturing pharmacists and the pharmaceutical industry. It contains up-to-date assays, medicinal standards and methods required for testing medicines.
Dr Samantha Atkinson, Secretary and Scientific Director, BP Commission and Group Manager of the British Pharmacopoeia and Laboratory Services, said: 'This is a significant milestone for a prestigious publication and brings vibrancy to our life sciences sector. Looking back through its history, it is clear that the BP has been, and continues to be, held in high esteem in the UK and worldwide.'
