The idea behind the database – known as the European Medicines Verification System (EMVS) is to provide EU member states with details of ‘special features’ used to identify legitimate drug products that can be used to find fakes circulating in the country.
Development of the system – which is called for under the 2011Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) – is being managed by the European Medicines Verification Organisation (EMVO), a non-profit group which was set up by EAEPC, EFPIA, EGA, GIRP and PGEU in February.
The EMVO has subcontracted various software firms to work on the database – including Solidsoft Reply which used Microsoft’s Azure tech to develop the system - with the aim being to connect portals in member states to a centrally managed hub.
German database
The securPharm system was set up by German industry groups in 2013 to help pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmacists and patients in the country detect fakes. The system holds details of codes used to identify legitimate products.
As a result of being linked to the German securPharm network, EMVS can now serve as a central entry point for companies to submit serialisation data according to the EMVO.
Interim director general Andreas Walter said the system “is now capable of comprehensibly: securing cross-border trade; ensuring interoperability between national systems; supporting the establishment of standard interfaces.
He added that it will provide “cost savings for connecting manufacturers at a single entry point.”
Other contractors supporting the EMVS project include Aegate Holding Limited and Arvato Systems, which have both been involved in database development.