Consortium Reports Successful Drug Tracking and Authenticating Pilot

SecureTrace reports that pilot runs of an electronic drug tracking and authentication program have been successfully completed. SecureTrace is a consortium of 10 companies in the United Kingdom that are using technology to fight counterfeiting and diversion of pharmaceuticals throughout the supply chain.

“European countries have taken a fragmented approach to tracking drugs, while the United States has struggled to establish a workable pedigree system,” says Jim Rittenburg, VP of Healthcare at Authentix and lead partner for SecureTrace. “SecureTrace establishes a clear and workable strategy that has been developed and executed by all players involved in the process.”

According to SecureTrace, the project was hosted on a high-speed packaging line at Reckitt Benckiser, Hull. The process begins when pharmaceuticals are imprinted with unique and secure 2-D bar codes featuring authenticating markers in the ink. A unique natural fingerprint is also generated using Laser Surface Authentication. Pack data is aggregated to cartons and pallets, next bar codes, and RFID labels are applied to cartons. The information is then stored in a master database. Once the pharmaceuticals leave the packaging facility, field readers provide authentication and verification of the product as it travels throughout the supply chain to its point of dispensation.

“The combined use of four sophisticated technologies, laser surface authentication, and forensic signature inks that enable authentication and use of 2-D bar codes and RFID, make SecureTrace more comprehensive than any other programs being used to protect pharmaceuticals,” said Ian Eastwood, Chief Technology Officer at Consortium Leaders, Authentix. “Pharmaceutical counterfeiting is a growing threat and protecting patients means that the product, not just the bar code, needs to be absolutely verifiable.”

With other high profile projects, such as the EFPIA pilot in Swedish pharmacies, underway, the consortium is seeking to support EFPIA’s stance, by ensuring that the pilot is aligned with their objectives, whilst exploring two additional critical areas.

“We hope that the project will catalyze a growing awareness of the powerful combination of authentication and serialization and their role in verifying genuine product in the marketplace. Furthermore, that there is a network of UK companies with the skills and experience to implement projects of this nature,” states Mark McGlade Board Member of the International Authentication Association and Director at Ingenia Technology.

If you would like to see a video of the SecureTrace place pilot, please visit www.securetrace.org.