Risk of nitrosamines in drugs and control measures discussed

As previously reported, an international conference dedicated to regulating the pharmaceutical industry is being held these days in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the State Institution "Center for Pharmaceutical Product Safety," the Agency for the Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry, and the US Pharmacopoeia (USP).

On the second day of the event, the head of the Center's Testing Center, Zufar Boboev, made a presentation on the dangers of nitrosamines, the causes of their appearance in medicines, modern methods of detection, and the work being carried out in this direction in Uzbekistan.

For reference, nitrosamines are chemical compounds with high toxicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenic properties, which can be formed during the production, storage, or packaging of medicines. International studies show that long-term use of nitrosamines can lead to the development of cancer, complications during pregnancy, and a weakening of the immune system.

Zufar Boboyev noted that strict measures are being taken in Uzbekistan to control nitrosamines. In particular, based on Order No. 214 of the Ministry of Health dated June 28, 2024, a list of 27 types of nitrosamines that can harm human health has been compiled. Also, the laboratories of the Center for the Safety of Pharmaceutical Products are equipped with modern equipment that allows for the accurate detection of nitrosamines.

During the presentation, international experience was cited, including examples of the detection of nitrosamines in the preparations valsartan, ranitidine, and metformin, and it was noted that appropriate work is being carried out in Uzbekistan to prevent similar situations.