E-DRUG: Tracing counterfeit medicines
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{We will be interested to hear from e-druggers about the feasibility of this technology in resource-limited settings. Moderator ]
2D bar codes have been on the cards for a long time, bar code readers
are relatively cheap now and can interface with most computer systems,
either incorporating batch data (routing and even destination
information) into the barcode and/or having a manufacturer database
where products could be checked against their bar code to see if the
details on the box match is simple low cost solution that could be
used in most parts of the world. Simply checking the bar code
information against the printed information on the box could give
clues to expose counterfeits. The technology is is here and has been
for some years, royal mail use it. My gpprs enabled cell phone could
probably read a 2D bar code and connect to a internet database with
the information.
It looks like people are holding out for the RFiD systems but these
are just likely to be more expensive and if the Oyster cards are
anything to go by quite easy to counterfeit
(http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7516869.stm (BBC)).
The danger is that too much reliance will be placed on the technology
rather than the current supply chain methods, which may be why this
has not been implemented but my view is that without this current
methods are doomed to fail. With 2D bar codes and a international
manufacturers database (updated by each distributor as they receive
stock) the movement of stock could be traced so that a batch of a
medication from supplier X can be traced back through the supply chain
to the manufacturer and if it turns out that the product has been
tampered with or switched counterfeited investigators would have a
good idea of where to start looking.
Paul Lobb B.Pharm (Hons) (UZ)
Sunderland, UK
email paul.lobb@gmail.com