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International Nonproprietary Names (INN)
International Nonproprietary Names (INN)

International Common Names (INN)

Maxime LE MOIGNIC avatar
Written by Maxime LE MOIGNIC
Updated over a year ago

International Nonproprietary Names (INN) nomenclature identifies pharmaceutical substances or active pharmaceutical ingredients in a unique way.

Thus, each INN is defined by a unique name [generic name] and recognised worldwide.

This nomenclature allows:

  • clearly identify substances to safely prescribe and dispense medicines to patients regardless of geographical territory

  • Facilitate exchanges between health professionals and researchers around the world.

  • The first step in the development of a new drug discovery system is the creation of a new drug discovery system.

To date, the nomenclature lists nearly 7,000 names. Every year manufacturers and inventors submit new applications. These are examined, and an INN is proposed and published. If there are no objections, the name is given the status of "recommended INN".

The use of INNs is normally required by national legislation. Indeed, the INNs and names of the various national systems [British Approved Names (BAN), French Common Names (DCF), Japanese Adopted Names (JAN) and United States Adopted Names (USAN), ...] are, with rare exceptions, identical.

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