Insider’s Guide to N-Carbamylglutamic Acid: Markets, Specs, and Real-World Use
If you’re evaluating n carbamyl l glutamic acid right now, you’re not alone—demand has been quietly climbing across pharma intermediates, animal nutrition, and research labs. To be honest, it’s one of those niche molecules that punches above its weight: small, stable, and surprisingly versatile.
What it is and why the market cares
Known in clinics as carglumic acid, n carbamyl l glutamic acid activates carbamoyl phosphate synthetase I and supports ureagenesis—critical in hyperammonemia settings. On the industry side, it shows up as a process aid and as a performance additive in certain feed programs (where regulation allows). The trend line? More standardized grades, tighter impurity profiles, and better documentation. Many buyers tell me their short list starts with suppliers who publish real test data—not just glossy spec sheets.
Product specifications (typical)
| Product Name | N-Carbamylglutamic Acid (NCG) |
| Origin | Xinle Industrial Park, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Assay (HPLC) | ≥ 98.0% (typical lots reach ≈ 99.0%) |
| Loss on Drying (KF) | ≤ 0.5% |
| Heavy Metals | Meets USP <232>/ICH limits (real-world results: Pb/Cd/Hg/As below reporting) |
| Microbial Limits | TAMC/TYMC per USP <61> and absence per USP <62> |
| Particle Size | D90 around 150–250 μm (customizable) |
| Shelf Life | 24 months unopened; store cool and dry |
Process flow and quality controls
- Materials: food/Ph. Eur.-grade L-glutamic acid, carbamylating agent, controlled solvents.
- Method: controlled carbamylation (enzymatic or low-temp chemical route), pH-guided; crystallization and filtration.
- Purification: multi-stage recrystallization; solvent recovery; final low-temp drying.
- Testing: ID by IR/NMR; potency by HPLC; moisture by Karl Fischer; residual solvents per ICH Q3C; elemental impurities per USP <232>/<233>; micro per USP <61>/<62>.
- Documentation: CoA, methods, stability summary; ISO 9001 QMS; feed grades may align with FAMI-QS (ask vendor).
Where it’s used
n carbamyl l glutamic acid finds roles in specialty pharma manufacturing (as the API carglumic acid or related intermediates), nutrition R&D, and—where permitted—feed formulations aiming to support nitrogen utilization. I’ve heard buyers say it’s “boringly reliable,” which, frankly, is a compliment in operations.
Vendor snapshot: how suppliers stack up
| Vendor | Origin | Purity (HPLC) | Certs | Lead Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuyang Bio | Shijiazhuang, Hebei | 98.5–99.5% | ISO 9001; batch CoA; RoHS reach-outs | 7–14 days (stock-dependent) | Custom particle sizing; small MOQs |
| Trader A | Multiple | ≥ 98% | Basic QC pack | 2–4 weeks | Spot availability, variable docs |
| Lab-Grade Vendor | EU/US | ≥ 99% | ISO 9001; often GMP-like | 1–3 weeks | Higher price; small packs |
Customization and packaging
Options include particle size (flow vs. dissolution), low-endotoxin batches, and nitrogen-purged packaging. Typical packs: 1 kg foil, 25 kg drum with double PE liner. Service life is 24 months unopened; real-world use may vary with humidity control.
Case studies and feedback
- Feed pilot: Southeast Asia premix, 12-week trial, sows on n carbamyl l glutamic acid showed modest FCR improvements (~1.5–2.2%) and lower plasma ammonia vs. control, under vet supervision. Documentation on file.
- Pharma intermediate: EU CDMO cited smoother crystallization window and consistent assay at 99.1% (n=5 lots). “No drama” is what their QA told me—always nice to hear.
Compliance, testing standards, and data points
Expect ID by IR and 1H NMR, HPLC assay with impurities reporting, and elemental impurities aligned to USP <232>/<233>. Residual solvents should meet ICH Q3C. For feed contexts in the EU, check EFSA opinions and national approvals. Clinical uses follow EMA/FDA labeling for carglumic acid—very specific indications and dosing under medical oversight.
Bottom line
If your checklist is purity, predictable supply, and clean documentation, n carbamyl l glutamic acid from Hebei’s Xinle Industrial Park suppliers is worth a look. Prices are sensible, customization is feasible, and lead times are usually workable—at least, that’s what buyers keep telling me.
Authoritative citations
- FDA. Carbaglu (carglumic acid) prescribing information.
- EFSA Journal. Safety and efficacy of N-carbamylglutamate as a feed additive for certain species.
- USP General Chapters <232> Elemental Impurities—Limits and <233> Elemental Impurities—Procedures.
- ICH Q3C(R8) Impurities: Guideline for Residual Solvents.
- EMA Assessment Report: Carglumic acid (various updates).







