What is a Drug Substance? Legal Insights and Definitions

Definition & Meaning

A drug substance is an active ingredient that provides pharmacological effects or other direct impacts on diagnosing, curing, mitigating, treating, or preventing diseases. It can also influence the structure or function of the human body. However, it does not include intermediates used in the synthesis of such ingredients.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A pharmaceutical company develops a new drug for treating high blood pressure. The active ingredient in this drug is classified as a drug substance because it has a direct effect on the body's cardiovascular system.

Example 2: A manufacturer creates a new vaccine. The active components that stimulate an immune response are considered drug substances. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Difference
Drug Product A finished dosage form that contains a drug substance. A drug substance is the active ingredient, while a drug product includes the drug substance and other components.
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) The substance in a pharmaceutical drug that is biologically active. API is synonymous with drug substance, but "drug substance" is a broader term that includes regulatory context.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are involved in drug development or regulation, ensure you understand the classification of drug substances. You may want to:

  • Review relevant FDA regulations.
  • Consult with a legal professional for compliance issues.
  • Explore US Legal Forms for templates that can assist in the documentation process.

Quick facts

  • Definition: Active ingredient with pharmacological effects.
  • Regulatory Body: Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
  • Exclusions: Intermediates in synthesis.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

A drug substance is the active ingredient, while a drug product includes the drug substance and other components that make up the final formulation.