USP in the News

Below are links to news stories in which USP appeared. Please note, you may be directed to an outside web page.

View by Year: 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008

2011

  • A Global View of Bio Process and Product Quality
    Life Science Leader (12/1/2011)—A summary of USP’s Science and Standards Symposium on Biologics & Biotechnology, held in September, is the subject of this article.
  • Sweeteners Rising
    Whole Foods Magazine (11/30/2011)—USP’s Markus Lipp discusses the challenges of formulating products with novel sweeteners and appealing to consumer’s tastes, as well as the benefits of public standards for new ingredients.
  • Dietary Supplements and Regulation
    The Journal of the American Medical Association (10/19/2011)—A letter to the editor by USP CEO Roger L. Williams details USP’s activities in the area of dietary supplements, including standards development and the USP Verified program, and the role they play in protecting consumers and conserving scarce regulatory resources.
  • Worried About Vitamin Safety? Experts Offer Advice
    Yahoo! Health (10/13/2011)—Article includes a recommendation that consumers look for the USP Verified Mark when purchasing dietary supplements.
  • New Things are Happening at USP for Biologics
    PharmTech Talk (10/4/2011)—A recap of USP’s annual meeting, the Science and Standards Symposium, is the focus of this article.

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2010

  • Ghanaian Surveillance Programme Uncovers Fake Antimalarials
    Securing Pharma (11/9/2010)—Article reports that substandard and counterfeit versions of 13 antimalarial medicines were discovered in multiple locations across Ghana by the country's Medicines Quality Monitoring surveillance program, which USAID-USP's Promoting the Quality of Medications program helped establish in 2008.
  • USP's DeStefano on Defining, and Detecting, Pharmaceutical Impurities
    Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (11/4/2010)—USP's Anthony DeStefano offers insight into USP's approach on elemental impurities, detection technologies for impurities and adulterants, and future plans regarding spectral libraries.
  • USP and MENA Government Labs Form Network to Better Drug Quality
    In-PharmaTechnologist (10/25/2010)—Article spotlights a new drug quality improvement network of USP and six MENA labs to encourage communication among countries; review guidelines for drugs approval across the region; and take steps towards eliminating substandard and counterfeit drugs.
  • The U.S. Pharmacopeia—What is it? What Does it Do?
    Eye on FDA (9/20/2010)—In a two-part podcast, USP CEO Roger L. Williams discusses USP, the role of quality standards in helping to secure the domestic and worldwide drug supplies, and a new public awareness campaign USP is launching.

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  • Authentication and Pharmaceutical Protection: An Industry Roundtable
    Pharmaceutical Technology (9/1/2010)—USP's William Koch discusses hand-held approaches for identifying counterfeit drugs in the field, and how these technologies relate to USP's compendia.
  • Beware of These Dietary Supplements
    CBS News (8/3/2010)—CBS News' Dr. Jennifer Ashton recommends looking for the USP Verified Mark when purchasing dietary supplements in this story on the safety and quality of supplements.
  • USP Signs MOU with Chinese Food Safety Agency
    Food Navigator USA (6/23/2010)—Article reports on a new agreement between USP and China's National Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety–Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention to collaborate on quality standards for food ingredients.
  • Many Patients Can't Read Drug and Medical Instructions
    Scripps Howard News Service/The Telegraph (6/13/2010)—New recommendations by a USP advisory panel on ways to address the problem of poor health literacy by improving prescription container labeling are featured in this story.
  • USP Forges Stronger Links with Ukraine and Russia
    In-Pharma Technologist (6/3/2010)—USP activities including the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding to share drug standards with Ukraine and the execution of training courses in Moscow are the focus of this article.
  • USP Opens Door to Pending Monographs for Excipients
    Pharmaceutical Technology (5/13/2010)—The expansion of USP's Pending Monographs Guideline to include excipients—inactive ingredients used in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals—is reported on in this article. This effort will allow a quality standard to be available as soon as possible after the FDA grants final approval of the drug product and its components.
  • As Drug Resistant Malaria Grows in Cambodia, Government Shuts Down Illegal Pharmacies
    Media Global (5/6/2010)—USP's Patrick Lukulay discusses efforts of the Cambodian government to reduce the presence of substandard and counterfeit antimalarial medicines that pose a public health threat by shutting down illegal pharmacies-and the role of the USAID-USP Promoting the Quality of Medicines Program in supporting these activities.
  • USP, FDA Must be Proactive in Updating Monographs
    In-Pharma Technologist (4/27/2010)—Article covers remarks of FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg at the USP Convention's 2010 Meeting regarding the collaborative work of FDA and USP in identifying intentionally adulterated medicines to protect patients.
  • Do Fish-Oil Supplements Need Warning Labels
    Consumer Reports on Health (3/31/2010)—Consumer Reports looks at concerns about PCBs in fish oil supplements, concluding that shoppers should look for the USP Verified Mark when purchasing fish oil products.
  • An Opportunity to Further Develop Relationships in India
    Express Pharma (3/16/2010)—In this interview, USP CEO Roger L. Williams talks about USP's involvement in India via its USP-India site, including future expansion plans and collaborations in the country.
  • PTMs Progress Towards Designer Proteins
    Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (3/1/2010)—USP's Tina Morris discusses the organization's efforts to set standards for cutting-edge biologics, specifically for analyzing and characterizing glycoproteins.
  • New Codex is a Tool for Ethical Practice, Says USP
    NUTRAingredients-USA (3/1/2010)—USP's food experts discuss the role of quality standards and the new, seventh edition of the Food Chemicals Codex in helping to secure the supply chain, particularly in light of new threats of adulteration.
  • Taking the Plunge to Harmonize Pharmaceutical Regulations
    Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (3/1/2010)—USP's Susan de Mars and Kevin Moore discuss progress of harmonization efforts among pharmacopeias.
  • The At-Work WORK Out
    270inc. Magazine (2/15/2010)—USP is spotlighted along with other major Maryland employers for its on-site fitness facility that it provides to employees.
  • Malaria Drugs in Africa Found Defective
    Associated Press/CBS News (2/8/2010)—Article reports on a new study from USAID-USP's Promoting the Quality of Medicines (PQM) Program that found roughly one-third of sampled antimalarial medicines in three African nations were substandard, posing significant health threats to patients.
  • Industry Views Sought on Baby Milk Ingredients
    NUTRAingredients-USA (1/12/2010)—Proposed new Food Chemicals Codex standards for ingredients commonly used in infant formulas and functional foods are featured in this article.

2009

  • Eat Smart: Follow these Rules for Safe Supplement Use
    USA Weekend (12/6/2009)—Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, chair of USP's Dietary Supplement–Information Expert Committee, offers tips on safely consuming supplements.
  • Warning - Counterfeit Medicines
    Voice of America (11/18/2009)—USAID-USP's new Promoting the Quality of Medicines (PQM) Program to combat substandard and counterfeit drugs in developing countries is spotlighted.
  • Fact or Fiction: Are Generic Drugs Bad for You
    Scientific American (11/12/2009)—USP's work to strengthen identification tests for many drugs considered "at risk" for adulteration is cited in this story about the safety of generic drugs.
  • USP and USAID Launch New Program to Improve Drug Quality
    PharmTech Talk (11/6/2009)—USP's Patrick Lukulay discusses the goals of the new Promoting the Quality of Medicines (PQM) Program and future projects on the horizon, including the development of new technologies to detect substandard and counterfeit drugs.

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  • FDA Seeks to Reduce Drug Dosage Errors
    Los Angeles Times (11/5/2009)—USP's Shawn Becker discusses the problem of medication errors in light of FDA's new effort to reduce the number of these preventable episodes.
  • Fake Viagra, and more, in Bangkok
    GlobalPost (10/23/2009)—USP's Christopher Raymond discusses the problem of counterfeit drugs in Thailand and throughout Southeast Asia, as well as USAID-USP's efforts to reduce the prevalence of these fake medicines.
  • USP Targets Counterfeits in Cambodia
    In Pharma Technologist (10/12/2009)—Article reports on public service announcement (PSA) campaign by USAID/USP to warn citizens in Cambodia of the presence and dangers of substandard and counterfeit medicines.
  • Read Labels, Talk to Doctors to Learn about Drugs and Side Effects
    Indianapolis Star (10/1/2009)—In this article about medication side effects and adverse reactions, USP's Shawn Becker talks about the importance of being an informed patient-knowing every medication you're taking and why you're taking it.
  • Anti counterfeiting the Focus of USP Science Meeting
    Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (9/28/2009)—Article highlights discussions about anti counterfeiting and assuring drug quality at the USP Annual Scientific Meeting, including use of new technologies.
  • An Update on Metals Testing in Drugs
    Chemical & Engineering News (9/24/2009)—USP's Anthony DeStefano is interviewed about the progress of USP's efforts to update its elemental impurities standards for medicines.
  • Ask it Early with Dr. Ashton
    The Early Show, CBS News (9/23/2009)—Dr. Jennifer Ashton recommends USP Verified dietary supplements to consumers.
  • Read This Before You Pick Up Your Next Prescription
    O, The Oprah Magazine (09/2009)—USP's Shawn Becker discusses how patients can avoid medication mix-ups in this article about different types of prescription mistakes.
  • Secrets about Stress, Juices and Supplements
    Washington Examiner (8/10/2009)—The You Docs, Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz, note that many bottles of Coenzyme Q10 don't contain the real thing—and advise patients to look for bottles with the USP Verified Mark.
  • Counterfeit Drugs Continue to Threaten Lives in Developing Countries
    Scientific American (7/23/2009)—In "60-Second Science," the problem of counterfeit pharmaceuticals in the developing world is addressed—with the piece citing the USP Drug Quality and Information Program's recent work detecting a counterfeit antimalarial drug in Ghana.
  • Cooling Down Drug Prices
    Inside E Street—AARP TV (7/14/2009)—USP Chief Executive Officer Roger Williams discusses biologic drugs, their costs, and the potential benefits they offer to patients.
  • 4 Ways to Choose the Right Multivitamin
    Parenting.com/Baby Talk—Article advises that consumers look for the USP Verified Mark when choosing a multivitamin.
  • USP Collaborates with Asian Authorities
    Pharmaceutical Technology (7/2/2009)—USP's partnerships with Viet Nam, the ASEAN nations, and China to advance the quality of medicines and foods are highlighted in this story.
  • Prescription Fish Oil
    Consumer Reports (6/16/2009)—USP Verified fish oil supplements are recommended in this Consumer Reports Health video comparing prescription fish oil to less-expensive, over-the-counter supplements.
  • Vitamins, Herbal Remedies Can be Risky
    CBS' The Early Show (6/15/2009)—In a segment with The Early Show's Maggie Rodriguez on vitamins and dietary supplements, Dr. Jennifer Ashton notes the importance of looking for a mark of quality such as the "USP Verified" Mark when purchasing these products.
  • Better Safeguards for the Food Supply
    Chemical & Engineering News (5/25/2009)—USP scientists discuss the organization's efforts to develop new solutions to detect melamine—and measure protein content—in foods to help safeguard the food supply from future episodes of adulteration.
  • Developing Solutions to Fight Food Fraud
    Food Navigator-USA (5/22/2009)—In this podcast, USP Vice President of Food, Dietary Supplement and Excipient Standards Jim Griffiths talks about the threat to the food industry and consumers posed by episodes of adulteration—and what USP is doing to help advance solutions to prevent future occurrences.
  • Pharma 40 2009
    World Pharmaceutical Frontiers (4/2009)—USP Chief Executive Officer Roger L. Williams is named to the publication's annual list of the 40 most influential people in the pharmaceutical industry for the second year in a row.
  • Buyer Beware
    Popular Science (4/14/2009)—In this article examining undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients found in over-the-counter weight loss supplements, USP Chief Science Officer Darrell Abernethy discusses the global supply chain for active pharmaceutical ingredients.
  • Study: Some Prenatal Vitamins Lack Enough Iodine
    Associated Press/ABC News (2/25/2009)—In this story about many prenatal vitamins not containing iodine in levels they claim to on their labels, it is noted that USP's verification program tests dietary supplements to verify their contents and consumers can purchase vitamins with the USP mark on them.
  • New Standards Set for Heparin and Glycerin
    HealthDay/U.S. News & World Report (2/4/2009)—USP's updated standards for heparin and glycerin in response to recent episodes of adulteration are highlighted.
  • Heparin Testing Standards Revised After Deaths
    Bloomberg News/Daily Herald (2/4/2009)—Article reports on USP's revised standards for the blood thinner heparin.
  • Be Wary of Risky Product Names
    Post and Courier (2/2/2009)—"The You Docs" Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz note that the "USP Verified" mark on supplements is the best evidence that a product actually contains the ingredients listed on the label, in the quantities claimed, and that it doesn't contain contaminants.
  • Evaluating the Pieces of the Pharma Supply Chain
    Pharmaceutical Technology (01/2009)—In this article examining globalization's effects on the pharmaceutical supply chain, USP Chief Executive Officer Roger L. Williams discusses the organization's efforts to help advance pharmaceutical product quality through revision of its heparin and glycerin standards, as well as its activities in China and India.
  • Global QC: On the Front Lines with DQI's Patrick Lukulay
    Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Magazine (01/2009)—USP Drug Quality and Information Program Director Patrick Lukulay discusses the program's activities to improve drug quality in Madagascar.
  • Quality Standards Proposed for Stevia-Derived Sweetener
    Food Navigator USA (1/16/2009)—Article reports on USP's proposed standard for stevia-based sweetener Rebaudioside A-an ingredient that U.S. food and beverage manufacturers are beginning to incorporate into their products as an alternative to sugar and other non-caloric sugar substitutes.

2008

  • Heavy Metal Standards: USP's Abernethy Explains
    Pharmalot.com (12/8/2008)—USP Chief Science Officer Darrell Abernethy explains why USP is revising its metal impurities standards, and how this revision will affect overseas markets that are major producers of active pharmaceutical ingredients.
  • Improving Metal Detection in Drugs
    Chemical & Engineering News (12/8/2008)—USP's work revising its metal impurities standards is featured in this article.
  • Stopping Counterfeits and Substandard Drugs
    Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Magazine (12/1/2008)—USP's Patrick Lukulay discusses the work of USP's Drug Quality and Information Program in combating counterfeit drugs in developing countries, including some of the program's recent successes and priorities for the future.
  • Standards for Food and Drug Products Reviewed in KC
    National Public Radio/KCUR-FM, Kansas City (9/24/2008)—USP Chief Science Officer Darrell Abernethy discusses detection of heavy metals in drug and food products and cites this as one of the key areas of focus for USP at its 2008 Annual Scientific Meeting.

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  • Lessons from Heparin
    Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Magazine (9/15/2008)—In this story examining "lessons learned" from the recent adulteration of the blood thinner heparin, USP Chief Science Officer Darrell Abernethy discusses USP's approach in revising its heparin monographs. USP's Director of the Drug Quality and Information Program Patrick Lukulay is also interviewed, noting that the sophistication in counterfeit drugs has increased.
  • Analytical Chemistry Comes to the Fore
    Chemical & Engineering News (5/12/2008)—In this article about the role of testing in preventing and detecting contamination of drugs, USP Chief Executive Officer Roger L. Williams and Chief Metrology Officer William Koch discuss modernizing testing protocols, the limitations of testing, and how the presence of unscrupulous suppliers and other parties poses a major threat to the drug supply-whether they intend to cheat or seek to cause harm.
  • The Drug Scare that Exposed a World of Hurt
    The New York Times (3/30/2008)—USP Chief Executive Officer Roger L. Williams discusses globalization's effect on the safety of the drug supply-and USP's activities to revise its standards to detect for contaminants in medicines.