Harmonising nomenclature in pharmacopeial texts

Abstract

Nomenclature has always been a source of debate in the scientific literature. In the context of pharmaceutical regulation, varying interpretations of technical language can emerge due to philosophical or linguistic differences between two expert groups, which may undo efforts to harmonise regulatory approval mechanisms for new medicines. This letter describes three examples of divergence within pharmacopeial texts produced in the US, EU and Japan and suggests how these have emerged. Ultimately, I advocate for a consensus and an all agreed upon terminology that would be helpful for the global pharmaceutical industry, as opposed to many agreements between individual manufacturers and regulators of medicines, which may reintroduce variation in regulatory standards.

Keywords: Harmonisation; Nomenclature; Pharmacopeia; Regulatory affairs; Regulatory science.