USP Opens Site in Brazil

São Paulo, Brazil (Aug. 18)-The US Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) added to its international sites with the official opening of its 1800-m² facility in São Paulo, Brazil. The office and laboratory space will provide local manufacturers with better access to USP’s publications, reference standards, and other services.

At the facility’s opening, Roger L. Williams, USP executive vice-president and CEO, said the new site “demonstrates USP’s commitment to ensuring the quality and safety of pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, and food ingredients to everyone, regardless of geographic, economic, or political borders. As the world continues to focus on these issues, it is even more important for standards-setting bodies and governments to collaborate.”

USP says the new site will work with local organizations, including the National Health Surveillance Agency, the Brazilian Pharmacopeia, and Febrafarma, to help ensure the quality of medicines and food. “Our presence will benefit Brazilian manufacturers, government agencies, and ultimately patients in Brazil, the US, and the many countries to which Brazil exports,” said Flavio Vormittag, vice-president, international-Brazil at USP, who will oversee the facility.