Natural APIs are derived from natural sources, including plants, animals, and minerals. These compounds are often extracted and purified to create medications. Prominent examples include morphine from opium poppies and digoxin from foxglove plants. Natural APIs have a long history of use in traditional medicine, and they continue to inspire modern pharmaceutical development. Despite their potential, natural APIs can vary in potency and purity, making standardization a challenging aspect of their development.
4. Characterization This step involves thorough testing and analysis to confirm the chemical structure, potency, and stability of the API. Techniques like NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and HPLC are essential in this phase.
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The production of APIs is governed by strict regulatory frameworks imposed by health authorities like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). These regulations ensure that APIs meet quality standards and are manufactured in facilities that comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Maintaining high standards throughout the manufacturing process is essential to safeguarding public health, as any impurity or inconsistency can lead to significant health risks.
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