Anti-counterfeiting tool to aid pharmaceutical firms

Two German-based companies have developed a strategy aimed at eliminating drug counterfeiting.

Healthcare logistics firm Movianto GmbH and identif, a specialist in the area of bio and nanotechnology, have created a DNA coding method that tracks the distribution path of the drug from the manufacturer to the patient.

To achieve this, two single strands of synthetically produced DNA are used. Due to their unique sequence of DNA building blocks, these strands fit together as a key fits in a lock. One of the single DNA strands (lock) is integrated into a safety label. The second complementary DNA strand (key) is located in a detection pen, provided separately. When the two individual DNA strands come together, an extremely specific hybridisation takes place, means that the two single strands are united to a complete DNA strand. If the product is genuine, the scanner will emit a positive signal.

The development of the tool responds to rising concerns about the rapid increase in the proportion of counterfeit goods reported. According to figures from the European Commission, pharmaceutical manufacturers were identified as amongst the worst of the manufacturing industries to be hit by counterfeiting - an activity that potentially could damage the image of the company and contribute to a loss of sales as well as the health risks to patients.

"If you want to protect your brand from misuse and guard it against loss of image, reliably and effectively, you must always remain one step ahead of the criminals," said identif managing director Marcus Weichert. "For this reason, we have specialised in safety markings that are regarded as providing an extremely high level of protection against counterfeiting - DNA markings."

Movianto managing director Conor Roche, said: "By using DNA coding, pharmaceutical manufacturers will be able to do more than simply guarantee to their customers that the products are genuine."