Guidelines on the Use of International Nonproprietary Names (INNs) for Pharmaceutical Substances: 3. Principles for selection of INNs: 3.5 Specific groups of biological compounds

Guidelines on the Use of International Nonproprietary Names (INNs) for Pharmaceutical Substances
(1997; 41 pages)

Table of Contents

	1. General introduction
		1.1 General information on the INN system
		1.2 Use of INNs
	2. Elements in the INN system
		2.1 Proposed INNs
		2.2 Recommended INNs
		2.3 Names for radicals and groups
		2.4 Modified INNs (INNMs)
		2.5 Cumulative list of INNs
	3. Principles for selection of INNs
		3.1 General rules
		3.2 Use of stems
		3.3 Stereoisomers
		3.4 Radioactive compounds
		3.5 Specific groups of biological compounds
	4. Protection of INNs
	5. How to apply for an INN
		5.1 Procedure for selection of INNs
		5.2 INN request form
	6. References for supporting material
	Annex 1: Background information on the INN programme
	Annex 2: General principles for guidance in devising international nonproprietary names for pharmaceutical substances
	Annex 3: List of common stems used in the selection of INNs
	Annex 4: Specific groups of biological compounds
	Annex 5: WHA46.19 - Nonproprietary names for pharmaceutical substances
	Annex 6: Procedure for the selection of international nonproprietary names for pharmaceutical substances
	Annex 7: Applications for INNs through national authorities (addresses)
	Annex 8: INN request form

3.5 Specific groups of biological compounds

Because of the complexity of certain new types of pharmaceutical products, such as compounds produced by biotechnology, general rules are not always easily formulated. Some of these substances may already have descriptive names assigned by other institutions such as the International Union of Biochemistry (IUB), International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), Joint Commission on Biochemical Nomenclature (JCBN). These names may not be suitable as INNs.

Annex 4 summarizes nomenclature schemes for groups of biological compounds (for details and examples please also see document WHO/PHARM S/NOM 15: The use of common steins in the selection of international nonproprietary names (INN) for pharmaceutical substances, updated regularly).