Are you clued up on anticounterfeiting?

Manufacturing Chemist and Total Processing & Packaging 2010 want to hear your views through a joint survey.

With product safety in the pharmaceutical industry coming under increasing scrutiny from the regulators, just how aware are manufacturers of the need to take action?

To try to assess current thinking about track and trace technology in the pharma sector, Manufacturing Chemist has joined forces with Total Processing & Packaging 2010 to gauge industry opinions on this important topic.

The extent of legislative requirements to ensure the security of the supply chain may vary from country to country, but it is generally acknowledged that action is needed - and sooner rather than later. Patient protection can be guaranteed only if the products can be clearly identified as genuine by prescribers, pharmacists and patients alike.

"Packaging has a key role to play in the effectiveness and efficiency of the pharmaceutical distribution chain," said Ian Crawford, Group Exhibition Director for Total Processing & Packaging 2010. "Track & trace is a valuable tool in this and it is essential that suppliers and manufacturers work closely together and understand each other's needs so that the technology can be developed and refined in line with market requirements."

To this end, Manufacturing Chemist and Total 2010 have compiled an on-line survey to gauge the degree of preparedness among pharmaceutical companies and their suppliers and to ascertain which technologies are thought to be the most likely to succeed in improving supply chain security. The results will be published in the December/January issue of Manufacturing Chemist. However, as a thank you for taking part, all those completing the survey will receive the full results direct to their inbox (so don't forget to include your email address at the end).

To take part in the survey please click here.

"We are delighted to be working with Manufacturing Chemist to gauge industry opinions on this important topic," said Crawford.

Packaging's contribution to the success of pharmaceutical products will be ideally demonstrated at the Interphex Hub at Total Processing & Packaging, which brings together and provides a focal point for all the latest innovations in pharmaceutical processing and packaging The Interphex Hub will also feature a special seminar programme, sponsored by Buerket Fluid Control Systems, addressing the latest issues, trends and challenges for pharmaceutical manufacturers.

The 2010 event takes place from 25 - 27 May at the NEC, Birmingham, UK.