Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are the active components in a pharmaceutical drug that produce the required effect on the body to treat a condition. APIs are produced by processing chemical compounds. In a biologic drug, the active ingredient is known as a bulk process intermediate (BPI).

Despite high manufacturing expenses, strict regulatory policies, and policies in controlling drug prices in many countries, attractive opportunities have emerged in the API market due to growing cases of chronic diseases, including diabetes, asthma and cancer.