A revised version of the Ph. Eur. general monograph Pharmaceutical Preparations has been published. In particular a reference to the general Ph. Eur. chapter Contaminant pyrrolizidine alkaloids (2.8.26) has been added.
Updated Public Statement of the HMPC on HMPs containing Estragole
In 2005, the HMPC prepared the "Public statement on the use of herbal medicinal products containing estragole". Now, several footnotes were added in Table 1 of the document regarding the provided examples of estragole-containing plants.
The EDQM has published a new edition of the Guide for the elaboration of monographs on herbal drugs and herbal drug preparations. The Guide provides general guidance on the structure of Ph. Eur. monographs of herbal drugs and herbal drug preparations and on the information to be included in them. In addition, principles for the preparation and revision of herbal monographs are explained.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has published on its website the detailed minutes of the Herbal Medicinal Products Committee (HMPC) meeting from 13-15 March 2023. In the meeting, the HMPC discussed some issues known to cause difficulties in procedures and ideally to be addressed during the current GACP revision.
The amended German Pharmacopoeia (Deutsches Arzneibuch, DAB) is valid from 1 August 2023. The DAB 2023 now includes several revised texts for Cannabis reagents.
Medical Cannabis in Germany: From the BtMG to the Cannabis Act?
According to a draft version for the German Cannabis Law (Cannabisgesetz, CannG), cannabis for medical purposes will no longer fall within the scope of the Narcotics Law (Betäubungsmittelgesetz, BtMG). What changes may result?
USP Publishes Draft on Quality Requirements for Cannabis
The USP previously announced to elaborate a chapter on quality considerations for Cannabis. Now the draft chapter <1568> Quality Considerations for Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products for Clinical Research has been published in PF 49.3. Comments can be sent to the USP until end of July.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stopped accepting submissions to the Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP). Now the agency announced a virtual public meeting on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for Cosmetic Products to be held in June this year.
Declaration of Herbal Substances & Herbal Preparations in HMPs
The HMPC issued a concept paper on the revision of the Guideline on declaration of herbal substances and herbal preparations in herbal medicinal products (HMPs).
The EMA published the final updated EU herbal monograph on Hypericum perforatum L. including associated supporting documents and an overview of the comments received.
Hop (Humulus lupulus) is commonly known for its use in brewing beer. However, it is also used as a herbal drug. The Ph. Eur. Monograph Hop Strobile has now been proposed for revision.
The International Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Int.) is available online. It has legal status, whenever a national or regional authority refers to it in appropriate legislation. Now, the 11th Edition of the Ph. Int. has been published.
