The Algerian National Agency for Pharmaceutical Products (ANPP) has joined the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) as a voting member, as announced by the Ministry of Pharmaceutical Industry on November 9. This move is expected to strengthen Algeria's presence in international organizations that set standards for pharmaceutical quality. The ANPP's membership was actually finalized in the spring of 2026, when the USP announced the addition of 14 new members to its Convention.
The U.S. Pharmacopeia is a non-profit scientific organization that sets standards for the quality, purity, and identity of medicines, active ingredients, and dietary supplements. These standards are compiled in a reference book, the USP-NF, which is regularly updated. The USP's standards are recognized as official in the United States and are enforced by the FDA. Moreover, the organization's standards are used in over 140 countries worldwide, by both manufacturers and health authorities.
As a voting member of the USP, the ANPP will participate in the election of the organization's board of directors and expert council, which is responsible for drafting standards. This membership gives Algeria a voice in the governance of an organization that influences global pharmaceutical standards. The ANPP will also be able to advocate for the needs of Algeria's pharmaceutical industry and patients.
The ANPP's membership in the USP does not constitute a certification or accreditation, and it does not guarantee that medicines sold in Algeria meet U.S. standards. However, it does provide access to the USP's expertise, including scientific exchanges, training programs, and cooperation initiatives. These exchanges can help the ANPP strengthen its quality control measures, particularly in the face of counterfeit medicines.
The ANPP's membership in the USP may also support Algeria's pharmaceutical industry export ambitions. Companies seeking to export to foreign markets must demonstrate that their products meet recognized international standards. Algerian laboratories already export medicines, and this membership could facilitate their access to new markets.
Algeria is not the only African country to join the USP in 2026. Other new members include the African Medicines Agency, the Beninese Medicines Agency, and the Rwandan Food and Drug Authority. Egypt's medicines agency also obtained voting member status. These developments are part of a broader effort to strengthen African medicines agencies and improve access to safe and quality medicines on the continent.
The USP has signed a cooperation agreement with the African Medicines Agency to support the improvement of pharmaceutical standards in Africa. This partnership aims to enhance the availability of safe and effective medicines in Africa. The ANPP's membership in the USP is expected to contribute to this goal and promote the growth of Algeria's pharmaceutical industry.
Key points
- Algeria's National Agency for Pharmaceutical Products joins U.S. Pharmacopeia as a voting member to enhance pharmaceutical quality and export prospects.
- Membership provides access to USP's expertise, including scientific exchanges and training programs.
- Algeria's membership is part of a broader effort to strengthen African medicines agencies and improve access to safe and quality medicines.
