USP inaugurates expanded facility in Shanghai

Published: 13-Jan-2014

To enhance availability of quality standards for medicines, herbal medicines/dietary supplements and food ingredients

The US Pharmacopeial Convention (USP), a nonprofit global health organisation that creates and promotes quality standards for medicines and food ingredients, has officially opened its expanded laboratory and administrative facility in Shanghai, China.

'This is a tangible demonstration of the importance and value that USP and our counterparts in China place on assuring the quality of medicines, herbal medicines/dietary supplements and foods in China, the US and in all countries around the world,' said Roger Williams, Chief Executive officer of USP.

The inauguration marks the beginning of a week-long series of symposia, workshops and training programmes in Shanghai, along with meetings concerning Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), advisory groups and expert committees. These meetings will highlight issues such as global quality standards for medicines; rapid testing technology to detect counterfeit and substandard medicines and foods; food standards, food testing and issues related to food adulteration and contamination; and other presentations regarding to food and drug quality standards.

Having a facility of this size and capability in China is extremely valuable, especially in a city like Shanghai

The expanded USP site in Shanghai features 95,000ft2 (8,825m2) of space for laboratory facilities. Additional administrative space may be used for education, training and allied activities associated with USP's core standards-setting work. In addition to Shanghai, USP operates laboratories in São Paulo, Brazil; Hyderabad, India; and at its headquarters in Rockville, MD, US.

'Having a facility of this size and capability in China is extremely valuable, especially in a city like Shanghai, which has become a significant part of global pharmaceutical R&D and manufacturing,' added Williams. 'This location will provide improved opportunities for USP to connect and communicate with Chinese-based manufacturers and regulators; expand training and technical outreach; work jointly on documentary and physical standards; translate USP's compendia into Chinese; promote the value of visiting scientist programmes and other cooperative efforts.'

The pharmaceuticals industry in China is growing rapidly. The region is also a large and expanding force in the production of generic drugs.

'We live in an ever-shrinking world, which makes the quality of products made and sold in China just as important as the quality of products made and sold in the United States,' Williams said. 'The global flow of products means that quality issues can have a wide impact and having a facility in China allows USP to work more closely with developments in this important industry.'

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