Effects of World War II

In the 1940s, USP implemented a system of continuous revision, which allowed the organization to rapidly complete its new monographs for surgical products and adopt several emergency amendments in response to ingredient shortages caused by the turmoil overseas. After World War II, suspicion loomed over the potential impact of the International Pharmacopoeia on USP's sovereignty and usage of its standards in other countries. USP Chairman Lloyd Miller understood the value of the international standards, but the Board voiced their concerns with the title "International Pharmacopoeia" and the newly created International Nonproprietary Names program. USP's international relations also faced a setback in 1950 when voting rights for Cuban and Filipino delegates were revoked. Later, in 1959, it was recommended that foreign delegations not be invited to the 1960 Convention. It would be 20 years before USP's Constitution and Bylaws were amended to officially admit delegates from countries recognizing USP standards.