Bulk Pharmaceutical API Sources for UNOPROSTONE ISOPROPYL

Bulk Pharmaceutical API Sources for UNOPROSTONE ISOPROPYL

Vendor	Vendor Homepage	Vendor Sku	API Url
NovoSeek		5282175
ISpharm		I06-2312
ABI Chem		AC1NQZLW
ChemMol		49404670

Bulk Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Sources for: Unoprostone Isopropyl

Last updated: August 12, 2025

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Introduction

Unoprostone isopropyl is a prostaglandin analog primarily employed in ophthalmology for the management of glaucoma and ocular hypertension. As a topical agent, it functions by increasing uveoscleral outflow, thereby reducing intraocular pressure. The global demand for unoprostone isopropropyl has grown, necessitating reliable API sourcing strategies for pharmaceutical manufacturers. Ensuring consistent, high-quality bulk APIs at competitive prices is critical in maintaining supply chain integrity and regulatory compliance.

This comprehensive overview delineates current bulk API sources for unoprostone isopropyl, examining key manufacturers, geographic distribution, quality standards, and procurement considerations.

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Overview of Unoprostone Isopropyl API Market

The unoprostone isopropyl API market remains relatively niche, with few manufacturers holding significant market shares. Notably, it is primarily produced by specialized chemical and pharmaceutical companies in Asia, particularly in China and India, due to their extensive capabilities in custom synthesis and complex organic manufacturing. These regions dominate API production owing to cost advantages, broad manufacturing infrastructure, and supportive regulatory environments.

While some well-established multinational pharmaceutical firms may have proprietary or no active commercial production due to patent status or commercial strategy, the market features several reputable API suppliers focusing on ophthalmic-grade prostaglandin analogs.

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Major Bulk API Suppliers for Unoprostone Isopropyl

1. Chinese API Manufacturers

• Shandong New Time Pharmaceutical Material Co., Ltd.
  Renowned for producing a wide range of ophthalmic APIs, including prostaglandins. The company offers GMP-grade unoprostone isopropyl suitable for both clinical and commercial manufacturing. Their production complies with Chinese Good Manufacturing Practices, and they export globally, primarily to North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

• Shenzhen Simeiquan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
  Specializes in complex organic synthesis, including prostaglandin analogs. Their facilities adhere to ISO and GMP standards, and they have established export channels to major pharmaceutical markets.

• Zhejiang Kexing Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
  Focuses on high-purity intermediates and APIs for ophthalmic indications; their unoprostone isopropyl APIs have received regulatory approval in several jurisdictions.

2. Indian API Manufacturers

• Granules India Limited
  As a leading API manufacturer, they produce a broad portfolio of ophthalmic APIs, including prostaglandin derivatives. Their facilities are GMP-certified, and they serve international clients with quality-assured products.

• Aarti Drugs Ltd.
  Known for synthesizing complex molecules, Aarti Drugs offers ophthalmic-grade prostaglandin APIs, focusing on high purity levels conformant with regulatory standards.

• Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
  While primarily a finished dosage form manufacturer, Sun Pharmaceutical’s API manufacturing division supplies ophthalmic APIs, including prostaglandins, through third-party sourcing channels.

3. European and North American OEMs

Direct manufacturing of unoprostone isopropyl API in Western markets is limited owing to high production costs and patent considerations. However, some specialty chemical firms in Europe and North America may offer custom synthesis services or hold licenses for certain prostaglandin analogs. Their involvement is typically limited to bespoke synthesis for high-value applications or restricted markets.

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Quality Standards and Regulatory Considerations

Given the sensitive application in ophthalmology, APIs must meet stringent quality standards, including:

• GMP Compliance: Ensures consistent production quality and safety.
• Purity Levels: Typically exceeding 98% purity, with minimal impurities and residual solvents.
• Regulatory Approval: International certifications such as US FDA, EMA, or China’s NMPA enhance market confidence and facilitate global distribution.

Manufacturers with established regulatory approvals and comprehensive documentation reduce the burden of regulatory approval for end-product registration.

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Procurement and Sourcing Strategies

• Supplier Qualification: Verify GMP certification, conduct site audits, and assess quality control protocols.
• Sample Testing: Conduct independent analytical testing to confirm identity, purity, and impurity profiles.
• Pricing and Lead Times: Due to the complexity of synthesis, prices vary significantly between regions; North American and European suppliers tend to be more expensive but offer higher assurance of standards.
• Long-term Partnerships: Establishing strategic alliances with reliable suppliers fosters supply security, flexibility, and preferential pricing.

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Challenges in API Sourcing

• Patent Restrictions: As of recent years, patent expiry or licensing agreements govern availability and licensing.
• Market Fluctuations: Supply disruptions can occur due to geopolitical issues, regulatory shifts, or raw material shortages.
• Quality Variability: Variations in manufacturing standards across suppliers necessitate thorough vetting.

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Emerging Trends and Future Outlook

Increasing adoption of biosimilar prostaglandin analogs and increased generic manufacturing capacity are expected to improve API availability. Advances in green chemistry and process intensification could lower costs and enhance quality consistency. Additionally, regulatory harmonization efforts may streamline international sourcing.

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Key Takeaways

• The bulk API market for unoprostone isopropyl is concentrated mainly in China and India, providing cost-effective, high-quality options.
• Regulatory compliance, GMP certification, and purity standards are critical for sourcing from international suppliers.
• Due diligence, including supplier qualification and independent testing, is essential to mitigate quality risks.
• Strategic supplier partnerships can ensure sustainable supply amid market fluctuations.
• Ongoing innovations in synthesis and regulatory convergence are poised to enhance API availability and reduce costs.

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FAQs

1. Are there any patent restrictions on unoprostone isopropyl API?
Patent rights for unoprostone have expired or are nearing expiration in many jurisdictions, enabling generic manufacturing. However, licensing agreements and proprietary formulations may restrict certain suppliers or markets.

2. Which regions dominate the production of unoprostone isopropyl API?
China and India primarily dominate API production due to their extensive chemical manufacturing infrastructure and cost advantages.

3. What quality certifications should I verify when sourcing unoprostone isopropyl APIs?
Ensure the API supplier holds GMP certification, and verify compliance with international standards such as ISO, USP, EP, or relevant regulatory approvals (FDA, NMPA, EMA).

4. How can I mitigate supply chain risks for unoprostone API?
Diversify suppliers, establish long-term relationships, conduct regular supplier audits, and perform independent quality testing to ensure consistent supply and quality.

5. What future developments are expected in the unoprostone API market?
Advancements in synthesis processes, increased generic competition post-patent expiry, and regulatory harmonization are anticipated to improve affordability and availability.

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References

[1] MarketWatch. "Global ophthalmic API market analysis." 2022.

[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "Guidance for Industry: Good Manufacturing Practices." 2021.

[3] Chinese Pharmacopoeia. "Quality standards for ophthalmic APIs." 2020.

[4] Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission. "Official compendium of Indian pharmaceutical standards." 2019.

[5] European Medicines Agency. "Regulations for active substance manufacturing." 2022.