Our Science

Pharmaceutical science expertise, of our staff and world-wide volunteer experts, is the foundation of USP’s work to help advance public health and ensure the quality and safety of medicines, dietary supplements and foods.

The quality standards we develop help manufacturers deliver safe products to billions of people worldwide. The United States Pharmacopeia–National Formulary (USP–NF) includes over 6,800 of those quality standards for medicines, both chemical and biologic; active pharmaceutical ingredients; and excipients (inactive ingredients). It is the most comprehensive source in the world for quality standards and is utilized in over 150 countries worldwide and integrated into the laws of more than 40 countries, including in the U.S.

Learn more about the science behind our standards and how our approach to pharmaceutical quality paves the way to a healthier world.

nitrosamine impurities in medicines
nitrosamine impurities in medicines

Safeguarding patients from nitrosamine impurities in medicines

Read the article

scientist in lab
Evolving approaches to standards

USP is continually evolving its approaches to developing up-to-date, science-based public standards that serve as quality benchmarks for medicines dietary supplements and foods.

Learn more

injecting a cell
Emerging modalities of medicines

USP is exploring new technologies and treatments, from personalized medicines to cell and gene therapies, that are revolutionizing medicine and changing the way quality standards are created.

Learn more

New manufacturing and analytical technologies 

USP is studying new manufacturing and analytical technologies that could lead to big improvements in the production of and access to medicines.

Learn more

inhaler
Performance of drug substances and products

USP’s approach to performance standards, from dissolution test methods to standards for metered dose inhalers, is critical to helping ensure whether a medicine delivers the expected therapeutic effect.

Learn more

remdesivir antiviral drug
remdesivir antiviral drug

Trust in COVID-19 Medicine: USP Methods to Assist in Detecting Falsified Remdesivir

Read the article

Connect with us

scientific meeting
Collaborations in Science

USP is committed to collaborating with other scientific thought leaders to address current public health challenges and improve the quality of and access to medicines worldwide. 

Learn more

young students
Student fellowships and programs

Explore emerging technologies and trends in pharmaceutical science and learn more about the development of quality standards for medicines, dietary supplements and food ingredients.

Learn more

Scientific careers

Make a positive difference to public health and improve your skills as a scientist. USP brings a diverse and talented workforce with one goal: creating a healthier world.

Learn more

Gigi Davidson