The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) is a scientific nonprofit organization that sets standards for the identity, strength, quality, and purity of medicines, food ingredients, and dietary supplements manufactured, distributed and consumed worldwide. USP’s drug standards are enforceable in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration, and these standards are developed and relied upon in more than 140 countries.

USP standards are developed and revised by more than 850 volunteer experts, including international participants, who work with USP under strict conflict-of-interest rules. Since its founding in 1820, USP has helped secure the quality of the American drug supply. Building on that legacy, USP today works with scientists, practitioners, and regulators of many nations to help protect public health worldwide.

Our Vision

USP envisions a world in which all have access to high quality, safe, and beneficial medicines and foods. USP approaches this vision with a sense of urgency and purpose, strengthened by its cadre of dedicated expert volunteers, members, and staff, and by working collaboratively with key stakeholders across the globe.

The USP Strategic Plan

During each Convention cycle, USP leadership examines global needs and USP`s resources and capabilities and determines an organized course of action to attain our vision. This course of action is outlined formally in the USP Strategic Plan. The current plan is focused on meeting these primary objectives:

Expand and enhance USP’s core compendial activities
Build and strengthen USP’s allied compendial programs
Engage in other programs that leverage USP’s unique capabilities
Operate both nationally and internationally
Manage all USP`s programs, products, and services efficiently and effectively

Read more about the Strategic Plan and download a complete copy.

2010–2015 Resolutions: Specific Areas of Focus

USP`s volunteer Convention members meet once every five years to discuss, vote upon, and adopt a set of resolutions that further USP`s mission by defining specific focus areas for the next five-year period. The USP Convention’s resolutions are aligned with USP’s mission, vision, and current Strategic Plan.