Mumbai India, February 19 -- The U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council (PHARMEXCIL) on February 15, 2007. Mr. Dinesh B. Mody, Chairman of PHARMEXCIL and Dr. Roger Williams, USP Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer signed the MOU during the USP 6th Annual Scientific Meeting, Mumbai, in the presence of various officials, including Dr. M. Venkateshwarlu, Drug Controller General of India, Dr. Mary Ann Koda Kimble, USP Trustee, and Dr. P.V. Appaji, Executive Director, PHARMEXCIL.

The agreement recognizes the common interests of both organizations and establishes a formal relationship to develop mutually beneficial activities designed to improve the quality of medicines and dietary supplements and herbal ingredients. Specifically, the MOU calls for both organizations to:

1. Promote cooperation;
2. Improve transfer and exchange of information;
3. Increase awareness;
4. Establish the basis for a long-term relationship; and
5. Develop standards.

"This partnership represents USPs expanding role in India and our commitment to providing good pharmaceutical care for all," said Dr. Williams. "We look forward to future activities with PHARMEXCIL that will promote the availability of quality medicines and dietary supplements in international commerce."

Under the MOU, USP and PHARMEXCIL will form a working group consisting of an equal number of representatives from both organizations. The working group will develop annual plans related to MOU objectives.