PHARMEXCIL SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH U.S. PHARMACOPEIA

India's Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council (PHARMEXCIL) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) during a scientific meeting in Mumbai, India, last week.

The USP is a nongovernmental organization that sets standards to insure that pharmaceuticals are produced with quality ingredients, as well as proper labeling and storage instructions.

Under the agreement, the USP and PHARMEXCIL will form a working group consisting of an equal number of representatives from both organizations. The working group will develop annual plans related to MOU objectives.

The MOU recognizes the common interests of both organizations and establishes a formal relationship to develop mutually beneficial activities designed to improve the quality of medicines. Specifically, the MOU calls for both organizations to promote cooperation, to improve the transfer and exchange of information and to develop standards.

"This partnership represents USP's expanding role in India and our commitment to providing good pharmaceutical care for all," Roger Williams, USP executive vice president and CEO, said.