Types of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient: A brief overview of API classification

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient or API is a biologically active element of a drug product. APIs manufacturers in India and across the globe produce these ingredients to enhance the therapeutic effect of the drug and make them more stable. These Active Pharmaceutical ingredients are not only used in human medications, but also form a very important part of agricultural chemicals including the pesticides.  

So, are all theses APIs same or do they differ from each other. Well, this blog will dive into the diversities and complexities of the different categories of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients manufactured in India and the world.

 Classification of the APIs

APIs are used in almost all forms of medicine like tablets, capsules, injections, ointments or creams. But these APIs differ from each other in their sourcing, applications, as well as the core structure. Here, we will discuss how the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient differs in each of these categories.

Classification based on Source:

The Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient manufacturing companies across the world source the ingredients in two distinct methods. These methods are:

• Natural APIs

These are derived from natural resources such as plants, microorganisms or animals. The process of Isolation is used to extract API from natural resources. The product of this category tends to be more therapeutic and chemically complex due to natural origins.

• Synthetic APIs

These are chemically made in laboratories after extensive experimentation and research. The synthetic API is more precise in chemical compositions and is often more cost effective as compared to the natural API.

Classification based on Chemical Structure:

The API product manufacturers in India also classify them on the basis of their molecular structure. The structure also depends on their base source as well as their compound composition. The two categories under this classification are:

• Small Molecule APIs

This category holds the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients with simple molecular structures. Product manufacturing companies utilize these APIs mostly in drugs that target the intracellular level and are taken orally.

• Biologic APIs

As the term Bio in the name suggests, these APIs are mostly naturally sourced and taken from living organisms. Contrary to small molecule APIs, these have a more complex structure and are developed under specialized manufacturing processes. Proteins, antibodies, nucleic acids, and peptides are the major products falling under this category.

Therapeutic Use-based Classification:

• Cardiovascular - These APIs treat heart related ailments like arrhythmias, hyper-tension or heart failure. Their key function is to regulate cardiac function and enhance blood flow.

• Anti-inflammatory - The main target of these APIs is inflammation and immune responses to alleviate pain and suppress reactions in conditions like asthma, arthritis, autoimmune diseases etc.

• Anti-infective- These are commonly used to treat bacterial or viral infections.

• Oncology - This API is used for treatment of cancer and targets specific molecular pathways.

• CNS(Central Nervous System - These affect the brain and the nervous system and treat conditions like depression, epilepsy, anxiety etc.

Wrapping Up:

The Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient is responsible for inducing the therapeutic effect of the drug. Leading API manufacturers in India and also worldwide have divided these ingredients in different categories for a better understanding of the properties and effects. This categorization also enables the researchers to develop a thorough understanding about the results of administering these drugs. Renowned names of the pharma industry, like Cerata Pharmaceuticals, leverage this classification to enhance their product efficacy, stability, and safety during clinical procedures.