Movianto’s ‘DNA’ counterfeiting solution
Movianto has taken inspiration from DNA coding in an attempt to formulate an anti-counterfeiting solution.
A safety label is applied to the packaging, which contains a code that Movianto describes as being like a single strand of DNA. The complementary strand is embedded in a detection pen.
When the pen is run over the label the scanner emits a signal, indicating that the product is genuine.
Conor Roche, managing director of Movianto, said: "By using DNA coding, pharmaceutical manufacturers will be able to do more than simply guarantee to their customers that the products are genuine.
“This process will also enable manufacturers to depict the paths of the drugs in a transparent manner and to trace these."
Integrated solution to e-pedigree
NJM/CLI has launched an integrated packaging line designed to be compliant with electronic pedigree serialisation and track-and-trace initiatives.
The system affixes serialised 2-D bar codes or radio-frequency identification (RFID) labels onto bottles, bundles, cases and pallets. It also relays the serial codes to e-pedigree software via the internet.
NJM/CLI's technology is capable of processing square bottles from 50 to 950cc and can be modified for handling non-square bottles. 2-D bar codes are produced using a thermal transfer printer and the standard production line is capable of processing up to 200 bottles per minute.
Higher speeds can be achieved through the integration of a laser coder for 2-D bar code printing.
Curtailing counterfeits with portable power
Research published in the Journal of Near Infrared Spectroscopy claims a portable instrument has been developed for detecting counterfeit medicines.
The work was conducted by the Centre for Pharmaceutical Analysis at the University of London, with the assistance of the Korean Food and Drugs Agency and NIR Technology Systems.
Using near infrared spectroscopy the device can distinguish between genuine tablets from counterfeits and identify the likely origin of the product through chemical information.
Professor Tony Moffat, author of the research, said: “Near infrared spectroscopy is a scientific tool which has helped us understand the differences between genuine and counterfeit drugs, even those which look exactly the same to the naked eye.”
By creating a portable instrument for detecting counterfeits the researchers believe they can eliminate laboratory work, which should prove attractive the regulatory bodies. In addition the device does not damage the drugs and is cheap to operate.