Representation to the United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP)

Comment on this policy

The United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) is a scientific nonprofit organization that sets standards for quality, purity, identity, and strength of drugs, biologicals, food ingredients, and human dietary supplements. USP drug standards (for naming/identity, strength, quality, and purity, as well as packaging and storage), are enforceable by the FDA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Current animal health-oriented organizational members include:

  • American Veterinary Medical Association; Delegate Council of the Convention
  • Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges
  • American Academy of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics
  • Animal Health Institute
  • FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine

The AVMA encourages expansion of veterinary membership to the USP, such as representation of veterinary pharmacologists.

The AVMA encourages non-delegates from each veterinary school to attend USP Membership meetings. A strong contingent from veterinary educational establishments in the US would be an important benefit in helping to ensure input into USP functions affecting veterinary medicine.

The AVMA encourages the USP to incorporate veterinarians on additional committees as appropriate.