United States Adopted Names Council
The United States Adopted Names (USAN) Council is responsible for selecting nonproprietary (generic) drug names that are simple, informative and distinct. To accomplish this mission effectively, the council convenes twice a year to deliberate on outstanding negotiations, emerging topics of interest, and policy matters that impact the realm of drug nomenclature.
The USAN Council is comprised of representatives from the American Medical Association (AMA), United States Pharmacopeia (USP), and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), alongside a member-at-large and a liaison from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This council plays a pivotal role in standardizing drug names. The AMA brings you updates and articles on the USAN Council's core activities.