Résumé
Many pharmaceuticals companies around the world produce active ingredients in spite of the fact they do not own the patent or marketing rights. These companies market these substances at prices lower than those of the patent holders. We have carried out analytical studies of some of these active ingredients. The aim of these studies is to establish their identity and purity as compared to those produced by the patent holders or to compendial reference standards. We have used analytical techniques such as infra-red spectrum, proton nuclear magnetic resonance [H' NMR], elemental analysis, and liquid chromatography linked with mass spectroscopy in addition to conventional techniques mentioned in compendial monographs like melting point, pH and residue on ignition tests. In the first part of this study, we have analyzed a sample of Clarithromycin manufactured by Indian Company [Ranbaxy], which manufactures several active ingredients still under patent. This sample has shown approximately the same identification as the material produced by Abbott Laboratories Ltd., a company that already holds the patent and marketing rights