Despite the benefits of isoflurane, obtaining it is not straightforward, largely due to stringent regulations governing anesthetics. In many countries, isoflurane is classified as a controlled substance. This means that its sale and distribution are closely monitored by regulatory bodies to prevent misuse and ensure that it is used safely and ethically.
The emergence of specialty APIs also reflects the diversification within the pharmaceutical industry. Drugs produced from specialty APIs are often used for treating rare diseases or specific conditions and can be quite complex. The production of these APIs requires specialized facilities, and companies often invest heavily in research and development to bring these innovative products to market. For example, Sofosbuvir, an API used in the treatment of Hepatitis C, is an important specialty API that has revolutionized the management of this viral infection.