About the U.S. Pharmacopeia

About the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP)

USP is an independent, scientific nonprofit organization focused on building trust in the supply of safe, quality medicines. We are working to strengthen the global supply chain so that the medicines people rely on for health are available when needed and work as expected.

For over 200 years, USP has worked to build trust where it matters most: in the world's medicines, dietary supplements and foods. Through our rigorous science and the public quality standards we set, USP helps protect patient safety and improve the health of people around the world.

 

Our History and Our Future

History of USP
History of USP

USP has been building trust in medicine for over 200 years.

See a timeline of our impact

USP board of trustees
Leadership

USP is led by experts who are driven to solve public health problems through science and innovation.

Get to know them

Governance

USP is governed by three bodies composed entirely of volunteers from around the world: the USP Convention membership, the Board of Trustees, and the Council of Experts and its Expert Committees. 

USP Convention Membership

With a mission to improve global health through public standards, it’s essential that USP be guided by broad and diverse perspectives. From the thousands of expert volunteers who have given their time to develop USP standards to the nearly 450 Convention Member Organizations committed to helping shape USP’s areas of focus, USP always prioritizes an independent and collaborative approach to its work. 

To this end, the Convention Membership represents perspectives, experiences, and expertise from across healthcare and science and from around the globe. Member Organizations are vital to USP’s ability to sustain its pivotal role in building trust where it matters most: in the world’s medicines, dietary supplements, and foods.

Board of Trustees

USP’s work is critical, complex, and rapidly evolving. Our Board of Trustees, responsible for USP’s sustainability, is comprised of experienced leaders and respected experts. Together they provide guidance and oversight that help sustain and expand USP’s impact on public health.

Council of Experts and its Expert Committees

USP standards are essential to supporting a more resilient supply of quality medicines. It’s the Council of Experts that oversees USP’s scientific and standards-setting decisions, each chairing one of USP’s Expert Committees. These leaders from around the world contribute their time, expertise, and passion to helping advance USP’s mission.