EMA: Draft guideline on the use of phthalates as excipients in human medicinal products

Literature data in animals show that certain phthalates are associated with effects on reproduction and development in relation to their hormonal (anti-androgenic) properties. Currently available human data on the impact of phthalate exposure are limited and therefore the clinical relevance of such findings remains to be established. The most commonly used phthalates in medicinal products licensed in the EU are: dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), polyvinyl acetate phthalate (PVAP), cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate phthalate (HPMCP).