As efforts to prevent counterfeit drugs become more global and co-ordinated, Vince Postill, VP of Business Development, PRISYM ID explains the role of serialisation and the main technological approaches
It is well-recognised that counterfeiting of pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices is a real and constant threat to patient safety. It is a global issue that affects all of us. It does not recognise borders or trade agreements and its supply chain is quick to react to new opportunities and, in particular, weaknesses in the legitimate production and supply of medicines and devices.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that up to 1% of medicines available in the developed world are likely to be counterfeit. This figure rises to 10% globally, although in some developing countries an estimated one third of medicines are counterfeit.
Counterfeit drugs not only have an impact on legitimate businesses, but they also promote drug resistant strains of disease, and can worsen medical conditions and even kill patients. The counterfeit industry is worth US$200bn (€156bn) every year and, therefore, can be very attractive to low paid print operators.
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