An International Nonproprietary Name (INN) is the globally recognized generic name assigned to a pharmaceutical substance by the World Health Organization.
INNs provide a unique, standardized identifier for active ingredients, independent of brand names used in different markets. In clinical trials, INN usage supports clear product identification across protocols, investigator brochures, labels, and safety reports. Standard naming reduces confusion when multiple formulations, comparators, or combination products are involved. INNs also improve data harmonization for submissions and global pharmacovigilance activities across development programs.