INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON HARMONISATION OF TECHNICAL

REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION OF PHARMACEUTICALS FOR HUMAN USE

DRAFT CONSENSUS GUIDELINE

EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATION OF PHARMACOPOEIAL

TEXTS FOR USE IN THE ICH REGIONS
ON
BACTERIAL ENDOTOXINS TEST GENERAL CHAPTER
Q4B ANNEX 14

Current Step 2 Version

dated 10 June 2010

At Step 2 of the ICH Process, a consensus draft text or guideline, agreed by the appropriate
ICH Expert Working Group, is transmitted by the ICH Steering Committee to the regulatory
authorities of the three ICH regions (the European Union, Japan and the USA) for internal
and external consultation, according to national or regional procedures.
 Q4B Annex 14
Document History

Current Step 2 version

Code History Date

Q4B Annex 14 Approval by the Steering Committee under Step 2 and release 10 June 2010
for public consultation.
 EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATION OF PHARMACOPOEIAL TEXTS FOR
USE IN THE ICH REGIONS
ON
BACTERIAL ENDOTOXINS TEST GENERAL CHAPTER

Q4B ANNEX 14

Draft ICH Consensus Guideline

Released for Consultation on 10 June 2010, at Step 2 of the ICH Process

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 1
2. Q4B OUTCOME ................................................................................................... 1
2.1 Analytical Procedures ........................................................................................................ 1
2.2 Acceptance Criteria ............................................................................................................ 1
3. TIMING OF ANNEX IMPLEMENTATION ..................................................... 1
4. CONSIDERATIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION ............................................ 1
4.1 General Consideration ....................................................................................................... 1
4.2 FDA Consideration ............................................................................................................. 1
4.3 European Union Consideration ....................................................................................... 2
4.4 MHLW Consideration ........................................................................................................ 2
4.5 Health Canada Consideration .......................................................................................... 2
5. REFERENCES USED FOR THE Q4B EVALUATION .................................. 2

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 EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATION OF PHARMACOPOEIAL TEXTS FOR
USE IN THE ICH REGIONS
ON
BACTERIAL ENDOTOXINS TEST GENERAL CHAPTER

Q4B ANNEX 14

1. INTRODUCTION
This annex is the result of the Q4B process for the Bacterial Endotoxins Test General
Chapter.
The proposed texts were submitted by the Pharmacopoeial Discussion Group (PDG).

2. Q4B OUTCOME
2.1 Analytical Procedures
The ICH Steering Committee, based on the evaluation by the Q4B Expert Working Group
(EWG), recommends that the analytical procedures described in the official pharmacopoeial
texts, Ph.Eur. 2.6.14. Bacterial Endotoxins, JP 4.01 Bacterial Endotoxins Test, and USP
General Chapter <85> Bacterial Endotoxins Test, can be used as interchangeable in the
ICH regions subject to the following conditions:
2.1.1 Any of the three techniques can be used for the test. In the event of doubt or
dispute, the gel-clot limit test should be used to make the final decision on
compliance for the product being tested.
2.1.2 The Endotoxin Reference Standard should be calibrated to the current WHO
(World Health Organization) International Standard for Endotoxin.
2.2 Acceptance Criteria
The evaluated texts did not contain acceptance criteria. Endotoxin limits should be
specified in the application dossier unless otherwise specified in an individual monograph.

3. TIMING OF ANNEX IMPLEMENTATION

When this annex is implemented (incorporated into the regulatory process at ICH Step 5) in
a region, it can be used in that region. Timing might differ for each region.

4. CONSIDERATIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION

4.1 General Consideration
When sponsors or manufacturers change their existing methods to the implemented Q4B-
evaluated pharmacopoeial texts that are referenced in Section 2.1 of this annex, any change
notification, variation, and/or prior approval procedures should be handled in accordance
with established regional regulatory mechanisms pertaining to compendial changes.
4.2 FDA Consideration
Based on the recommendation above, and with reference to the conditions set forth in this
annex, the pharmacopoeial texts referenced in Section 2.1 of this annex can be considered

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Bacterial Endotoxins Test General Chapter

interchangeable. However, FDA might request that a company demonstrate that the chosen
method is acceptable and suitable for a specific material or product, irrespective of the
origin of the method.
4.3 European Union Consideration
For the European Union, regulatory authorities can accept the reference in a marketing
authorisation application, renewal or variation application citing the use of the
corresponding text from another pharmacopoeia as referenced in Section 2.1, in accordance
with the conditions set out in this annex, as fulfilling the requirements for compliance with
the Ph. Eur. Chapter 2.6.14. on the basis of the declaration of interchangeability made
above.
4.4 MHLW Consideration
The pharmacopoeial texts referenced in Section 2.1 of this annex can be used as
interchangeable in accordance with the conditions set out in this annex. Details of
implementation requirements will be provided in the notification by MHLW when this
annex is implemented.
4.5 Health Canada Consideration
In Canada any of the pharmacopoeial texts cited in Section 2.1 of this annex and used in
accordance with the conditions set out in this annex can be considered interchangeable.

5. REFERENCES USED FOR THE Q4B EVALUATION

5.1 The PDG Stage 5B sign-off document (Rev. 1 – Correction 1): Japanese
Pharmacopoeial Forum, Volume 18, number 4 (December 2009).
5.2 The pharmacopoeial references for the Bacterial Endotoxins Test General Chapter for
this annex are:
5.2.1 European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.): Supplement 6.6 (official January 1, 2010),
Bacterial Endotoxins (reference 01/2010:20614);
5.2.2 Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP): General Test 4.01 Bacterial Endotoxins Test as
it will appear in the JP Sixteenth Edition (March 31, 2011). The draft English
version of the JP text provided by MHLW is appended (see Appendix A);
5.2.3 United States Pharmacopeia (USP): Text for <85> Bacterial Endotoxins Test,
USP 33 Reissue (published April 2010 and official October 1, 2010).

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 Bacterial Endotoxins Test General Chapter

APPENDIX A

Draft JP XVI English Text Provided by MHLW

4. Biological Tests/Biochemical Tests/Microbial Tests

4.01 Bacterial Endotoxins Test

This test is harmonized with the European Pharmacopoeia and the U. S. Pharmacopeia.

Bacterial Endotoxins Test is a test to detect or quantify bacterial endotoxins of gram-negative bacterial
origin using an amoebocyte lysate prepared from blood corpuscle extracts of horseshoe crab (Limulus
polyphemus or Tachypleus tridentatus). There are two types of techniques for this test: the gel-clot
techniques, which are based on gel formation by the reaction of the lysate TS with endotoxins, and the
photometric techniques, which are based on endotoxin-induced optical changes of the lysate TS. The latter
include turbidimetric techniques, which are based on the change in lysate TS turbidity during gel
formation, and chromogenic techniques, which are based on the development of color after cleavage of a
synthetic peptide-chromogen complex.
Proceed by any one of these techniques for the test. In the event of doubt or dispute, the final decision is
made based on the gel-clot techniques, unless otherwise indicated.
The test is carried out in a manner that avoids endotoxin contamination.

1. Apparatus
Depyrogenate all glassware and other heat-stable materials in a hot-air oven using a validated process.
Commonly used minimum time and temperature settings are 30 minutes at 250°C. If employing plastic
apparatus, such as multi-well plates and tips for micropipettes, use only that which has been shown to be
free of detectable endotoxin and which does not interfere with the test.

2. Preparation of Solutions
2.1 Standard Endotoxin Stock Solution
Prepare Standard Endotoxin Stock Solution by dissolving Japanese Pharmacopoeia Reference Standard
Endotoxin in water for bacterial endotoxins test (BET). Endotoxin is expressed in Endotoxin Units (EU).
One EU is equal to one International Unit (IU) of endotoxin.
2.2 Standard Endotoxin Solution
After mixing Standard Endotoxin Stock Solution thoroughly, prepare appropriate serial dilutions of
Standard Endotoxin Solution, using water for BET. Use dilutions as soon as possible to avoid loss of
activity by adsorption.
2.3 Sample Solutions
Unless otherwise specified, prepare sample solutions by dissolving or diluting drugs, using water for BET.
If necessary, adjust the pH of the solution to be examined so that the pH of the mixture of the lysate TS
and sample solution falls within the specified pH range for the lysate to be used. This usually applies to a
sample solution with a pH in the range of 6.0 to 8.0. TSs or solutions used for adjustment of pH may be
prepared using water for BET, and then stored in containers free of detectable endotoxin. The TSs or
solutions must be validated to be free of detectable endotoxin and interfering factors.

3. Determination of Maximum Valid Dilution

The Maximum Valid Dilution (MVD) is the maximum allowable dilution of a sample solution at which
the endotoxin limit can be determined.

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Bacterial Endotoxins Test General Chapter

Determine the MVD from the following equation:

Endotoxin limit × Concentration of sample solution

MVD ＝
λ

Endotoxin limit:
The endotoxin limit for injections, defined on the basis of dose, equals K/M, where K is a minimum
pyrogenic dose of endotoxin per kg body mass (EU/kg), and M is equal to the maximum bolus dose of
product per kg body mass. When the product is to be injected at frequent intervals or infused continuously,
M is the maximum total dose administered in a single hour period.
Concentration of sample solution:
mg/mL in the case of endotoxin limit specified by mass (EU/mg)
mEq/mL in the case of endotoxin limit specified by equivalent (EU/mEq)
Units/mL in the case of endotoxin limit specified by biological unit (EU/Unit)
mL/mL in the case of endotoxin limit specified by volume (EU/mL)
λ: the labeled lysate sensitivity in the gel-clot techniques (EU/mL) or the lowest point used (EU/mL) in the
standard regression curve of the turbidimetric or chromogenic techniques

4. Gel-clot techniques
The gel-clot techniques detect or quantify endotoxins based on clotting of the lysate TS in the presence of
endotoxin. To ensure both the precision and validity of the test, perform the tests for confirming the
labeled lysate sensitivity (4.1.1) and for interfering factors (4.1.2) as described under Preparatory testing
(4.1).
4.1 Preparatory testing
4.1.1 Test for confirmation of labeled lysate sensitivity
The labeled sensitivity of lysate is defined as the lowest concentration of endotoxin that is needed to cause
the lysate TS to clot under the conditions specified for the lysate to be used.
The test for confirmation of the labeled lysate sensitivity is to be carried out when each new lot of lysate is
used or when there is any change in the experimental conditions which may affect the outcome of the test.
Prepare standard solutions having four concentrations equivalent to 2 λ, λ, 0.5 λ and 0.25 λ by diluting the
Standard Endotoxin Stock Solution with water for BET. Mix a volume of the lysate TS with an equal
volume of one of the standard solutions (usually, 0.1 mL aliquots) in each test tube. When single test vials
or ampoules containing lyophilized lysate are used, add solutions directly to the vial or ampoule.
Keep the tubes (or containers such as vials or ampoules) containing the reaction mixture usually at 37 ±
1°C for 60 ± 2 minutes, avoiding vibration. To test the integrity of the gel after incubation, invert each
tube or container through approximately 180° in one smooth motion. If a firm gel has formed that remains
in place upon inversion, record the result as positive. A result is negative if either a firm gel is not formed,
or if a fragile gel has formed but flows out upon inversion.
Making the standard solutions of four concentrations one set, test four replicates of the set.
The test is valid when 0.25 λ of the standard solution shows a negative result in each set of tests. If the
test is not valid, repeat the test after verifying the test conditions.
The endpoint is the last positive test in the series of decreasing concentrations of endotoxin. Calculate the
geometric mean endpoint concentration of the four replicate series using the following formula:

Geometric Mean Endpoint Concentration ＝ antilog (∑e/f )

∑e ＝ the sum of the log endpoint concentrations of the dilution series used
f ＝ the number of replicates

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 Bacterial Endotoxins Test General Chapter

If the geometric mean endpoint concentration is not less than 0.5 λ and not more than 2 λ, the labeled
sensitivity is confirmed, and is used in tests performed with this lysate.
4.1.2 Test for interfering factors
This test is performed to check for the presence of enhancing or inhibiting factors for the reaction in
sample solutions.
Prepare the solutions A, B, C and D according to Table 4.01-1, and test solutions A and B and solutions C
and D in quadruplicate and in duplicate, respectively. Concerning the incubation temperature, incubation
time, and procedure for the confirmation of gel formation, follow the procedure described in 4.1.1.
The geometric mean endpoint concentrations of B and C solutions are determined by using the formula
described in 4.1.1.
This test must be repeated when there is any change in the experimental conditions which may affect the
outcome of the test.

Table 4.01-1
Endotoxin concentration
Dilution Endotoxin Number of
Solution /Solution to which Diluent
factor concentration replicates
endotoxin is added
A*1 0/Sample solution — — — 4
1 2λ
Sample 2 1λ
B*2 2λ/Sample solution 4
solution 4 0.5λ
8 0.25λ
1 2λ
Water
2 1λ
C*3 2λ/Water for BET for 2
4 0.5λ
BET
8 0.25λ
D*4 0/Water for BET — — — 2
*1 Negative control. Sample solution only.
*2 Sample solutions added with standard endotoxin (for testing interfering factors).
*3 Standard endotoxin solutions for confirmation of the labeled lysate sensitivity.
*4 Negative control. Water for BET only.
The test is valid if solutions A and D show no reaction and the result for solution C confirms the labeled
lysate sensitivity.
If the geometric mean endpoint concentration of solution B is not less than 0.5 λ and not greater than 2 λ,
the sample solution being examined does not contain interfering factors and complies with the test for
interfering factors. Otherwise the sample solution interferes with the test.
If the sample under test does not comply with the test at a dilution less than the MVD, repeat the test using
a greater dilution, not exceeding the MVD. The use of a more sensitive lysate permits a greater dilution of
the sample to be examined. Furthermore, interference of the sample solution or diluted sample solution
may be eliminated by suitable treatment, such as filtration, neutralization, dialysis or heat treatment. To
establish that the treatment chosen effectively eliminates interference without loss of endotoxins, perform
the assay described above using the preparation to be examined to which Standard Endotoxin has been
added and which has then been submitted to the chosen treatment.
4.2 Limit test
This method tests whether or not a sample contains endotoxins greater than the endotoxin limit specified
in the individual monograph based on the gel formation in the presence of endotoxins at a concentration of
more than the labeled lysate sensitivity.

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Bacterial Endotoxins Test General Chapter

4.2.1 Procedure
Prepare solutions A, B, C and D according to Table 4.01-2. Making these four solutions one set, test two
replicates of the set.
In preparing solutions A and B, use the sample solutions complying with 4.1.2. Concerning the test
conditions including the incubation temperature, incubation time, and procedure for the confirmation of
gel formation, follow the procedure described in 4.1.1.

Table 4.01-2
Endotoxin concentration Number of
Solution replicates
/Solution to which endotoxin is added
A*1 0/Sample solution 2
B*2 2λ/Sample solution 2
C*3 2λ/Water for BET 2
D*4 0/Water for BET 2
*1 Sample solution for the limit test. The solution may be diluted not to exceed the MVD.
*2 Positive control. Sample solution at the same dilution as solution A, containing standard endotoxin at a
concentration of 2λ.
*3 Positive control. Standard endotoxin solution containing standard endotoxin at a concentration of 2λ.
*4 Negative control. Water for BET only.
4.2.2 Interpretation
The test is valid when both replicates of solutions B and C are positive and those of solution D are
negative.
When a negative result is found for both replicates of solution A, the sample complies with the Bacterial
Endotoxins Test.
When a positive result is found for both replicates of solution A, the sample does not comply with the test.
When a positive result is found for one replicate of solution A and a negative result is found for the other,
repeat the test. In the repeat test, the sample complies with the test if a negative result is found for both
replicates of solution A. The sample does not comply with the test if a positive result is found for one or
both replicates of solution A.
However, if the sample does not comply with the test at a dilution less than the MVD, the test may be
repeated using a greater dilution, not exceeding the MVD.
4.3 Quantitative Test
This method measures endotoxin concentrations of samples by determining an endpoint of gel formation.
4.3.1 Procedure
Prepare solutions A, B, C and D according to Table 4.01-3. Making these four solutions one set, test two
replicates of the set. When preparing solutions A and B, use sample solutions complying with 4.1.2.
Concerning the test conditions, follow the procedure described in 4.1.1.

Table 4.01-3
Endotoxin concentration
Dilution Endotoxin Number of
Solution /Solution to which Diluent
Factor concentration replicates
endotoxin is added
1 —
Water
2 —
A*1 0/Sample solution for 2
4 —
BET
8 —
B*2 2λ/Sample solution — 1 2λ 2

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1 2λ
Water
3 2 1λ
C* 2λ/Water for BET for 2
4 0.5λ
BET
8 0.25λ
D*4 0/Water for BET — — — 2
1
* Sample solutions for the Quantitative test. The dilution range of the dilution series may be changed as
appropriate, but not exceeding the MVD.
2
* Positive control. Sample solution at the same dilution as the solution A diluted at the lowest dilution
factor, containing standard endotoxin at a concentration of 2λ.
*3 Standard endotoxin solutions for confirmation of the labeled lysate sensitivity.
*4 Negative control. Water for BET only.
4.3.2 Calculation and interpretation
The test is valid when the following three conditions are met: (a) both replicates of the negative control
solution D are negative, (b) both replicates of the positive product control solution B are positive and (c)
the geometric mean endpoint concentration of solution C is in the range of 0.5 λ to 2 λ.
The endpoint is defined as the maximum dilution showing the last positive test in the dilution series of
solution A, and the endotoxin concentration of the sample solution is calculated by multiplying the
endpoint dilution factor by λ.
If none of the dilutions of solution A is positive, report the endotoxin concentration of the sample solution
as less than λ × the lowest dilution factor of the sample solution.
If all dilutions are positive, the endotoxin concentration of the sample solution is reported as equal to or
greater than the greatest dilution factor of solution A multiplied by λ.
Calculate the endotoxin concentration (in EU per mL, in EU per mg or mEq or in EU per Unit) of the
sample, based on the endotoxin concentration of the sample solution. The sample complies with the
Bacterial Endotoxins Test if the endotoxin concentration of the sample in both replicates meets the
requirement for the endotoxin limit (in EU per mL, in EU per mg or mEq or in EU per Unit) specified in
the individual monograph.

5. Photometric quantitative techniques

5.1 Turbidimetric technique
This technique measures the endotoxin concentrations of samples based on the measurement of turbidity
change accompanying gel formation of the lysate TS. This technique is classified as either endpoint-
turbidimetric or kinetic-turbidimetric.
The endpoint-turbidimetric technique is based on the quantitative relationship between the concentration
of endotoxins and the turbidity of the reaction mixture at a specified reaction time.
The kinetic-turbidimetric technique is based on the quantitative relationship between the concentration of
endotoxins and either the time needed to reach a predetermined turbidity of the reaction mixture or the rate
of turbidity development.
The test is usually carried out at 37 ± 1°C, and turbidity is expressed in terms of either absorbance or
transmission.
5.2 Chromogenic technique
This technique measures the endotoxin concentrations of sample solutions based on the measurement of
chromophore released from a synthetic chromogenic substrate by the reaction of endotoxins with the
lysate TS. This technique is classified as either endpoint-chromogenic or kinetic-chromogenic.
The endpoint-chromogenic technique is based on the quantitative relationship between the concentration
of endotoxins and the release of chromophore at the end of an incubation period.

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The kinetic-chromogenic technique is based on the quantitative relationship between the concentration of
endotoxins and either the time needed to reach a predetermined absorbance (or transmittance) of the
reaction mixture or the rate of color development.
The test is usually carried out at 37 ± 1°C.
5.3 Preparatory testing
To assure the precision and validity of the turbidimetric or chromogenic techniques, perform both Test for
assurance of criteria for the standard curve (5.3.1) and Test for interfering factors (5.3.2), as indicated
below.
5.3.1 Test for assurance of criteria for the standard curve
The test is to be carried out when each new lot of lysate is used or when there is any change in the
experimental conditions which may affect the outcome of the test.
Using the Standard Endotoxin Solution, prepare at least three endotoxin concentrations to generate the
standard curve within the range of endotoxin concentrations indicated by the instructions for the lysate
used. Perform the test using at least three replicates of each standard endotoxin concentration according to
the optimal conditions for the lysate used (with regard to volume ratios, incubation time, temperature, pH,
etc.). If the desired range is greater than two logs, additional standards should be included to bracket each
log increase in the range of the standard curve.
If the absolute value of the correlation coefficient, | r |, is greater than or equal to 0.980 for the range of
endotoxin concentrations set up, the criteria for the standard curve are valid and the curve complies with
the test.
If the standard curve does not comply with the test, repeat the test after verifying the test conditions.
5.3.2 Test for interfering factors
Prepare solutions A, B, C and D according to Table 4.01-4. Perform the test on these solutions following
the optimal conditions for the lysate used (with regard to volume of sample solution and lysate TS, volume
ratio of sample solution to lysate TS, incubation time, etc.).
The test for interfering factors must be repeated when any condition changes, which is likely to influence
the result of the test.

Table 4.01-4
Solution Solution to which Number of test
Endotoxin concentration
endotoxin is added tubes or wells
A*1 0 Sample solution Not less than 2
2 Middle concentration of the
B* Sample solution Not less than 2
standard curve
3
C* At least 3 concentrations Water for BET Each not less than 2
D*4 0 Water for BET Not less than 2
*1 Sample solution only (for assaying endotoxin concentration in the sample solution). The sample
solution may be diluted not to exceed the MVD.
*2 Sample solution at the same dilution as solution A, containing added standard endotoxin at a
concentration equal to or near the middle of the standard curve.
*3 Standard endotoxin solutions at the concentrations used in 5.3.1 (for the standard curve).
*4 Negative control. Water for BET only.
The test is valid when the following conditions are met.
1: The absolute value of the correlation coefficient of the standard curve generated using solution C is
greater than or equal to 0.980.
2: The result with solution D does not exceed the limit of the blank value required in the description of
the lysate employed, or it is less than the endotoxin detection limit of the lysate employed.

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Calculate the recovery of the endotoxin added to solution B from the concentration found in solution B
after subtracting the endotoxin concentration found in solution A.
When the recovery of the endotoxin added to solution B is within 50% to 200%, the sample solution under
test is considered to be free of interfering factors and the solution complies with the test.
When the endotoxin recovery is out of the specified range, the sample solution under test is considered to
contain interfering factors. If the sample under test does not comply with the test, repeat the test using a
greater dilution, not exceeding the MVD. Furthermore, interference of the sample solution or diluted
sample solution not to exceed the MVD may be eliminated by suitable treatment, such as filtration,
neutralization, dialysis or heat treatment. To establish that the treatment chosen effectively eliminates
interference without loss of endotoxins, perform the assay described above using the preparation to be
examined to which Standard Endotoxin has been added and which has then been submitted to the chosen
treatment.
5.4 Quantitative test
5.4.1 Procedure
Prepare solutions A, B, C and D according to Table 4.01-4, and follow the procedure described in 5.3.2.
5.4.2 Calculation of endotoxin concentration
Calculate the mean endotoxin concentration of solution A using the standard curve generated with solution
C. The test is valid when all the following requirements are met.
1: The absolute value of the correlation coefficient of the standard curve generated using solution C is
greater than or equal to 0.980.
2: The endotoxin recovery, calculated from the concentration found in solution B after subtracting the
concentration of endotoxin found in solution A, is within the range of 50% to 200%.
3: The result with solution D does not exceed the limit of the blank value required in the description of
the lysate employed, or it is less than the endotoxin detection limit of the lysate employed.
5.4.3 Interpretation
The sample complies with the Bacterial Endotoxins Test if the endotoxin concentration of the sample
calculated from the mean endotoxin concentration of solution A meets the requirement of the endotoxin
limit (in EU per mL, in EU per mg or mEq or in EU per Unit) specified in the individual monograph.