The US Pharmacopeia during the 2000–2005 Cycle

This first part of a two-part series provides background information about the US Pharmacopeia (USP) and reviews key elements of the organization and its activities during the 2000-2005 cycle, a period of exciting expansion and transformation. This article is divided into five parts: Background and State of the Pharmacopeia; USP Volunteers; USP Staff; USP Products and Services; and the Future. The report focuses on the who, the what, and the how of USP. A second article provides insights into the standards-setting activities of the Council of Experts—the core work of USP. Both articles are abridgements of larger reports presented at the USP Convention 2005.