Nolato Medical and AlpVision aim to thwart counterfeiters

Published: 17-May-2012

Announce collaboration to protect pharmaceutical primary packaging and medical devices


A collaboration between AlpVision and Nolato Medical of Sweden aims to protect primary plastic packaging and medical devices against counterfeiting by applying AlpVision’s patented Fingerprint technology to moulded parts, such as vials, containers and lids, test tubes and caps.

The technology developed by the Swiss specialist in digital invisible technologies for product authentication will enable brand owners in the pharmaceutical industry to track and authenticate mass produced products manufactured in a mould with a scanner or an iPhone.

With no change to standard moulding practices, the process involves capturing a digital image of the intrinsic microscopic surface irregularities found in a mould then using that image as a reference to authenticate an entire production of moulded parts. To perform a genuine-or-fake verification, brand owners can simply use a standard office scanner or iPhone-like device.

AlpVision says that unlike any other safety features, its Fingerprint authentication solution can be applied before the product deployment or once in the market, by using the original mould.

Christer Wahlquist, president of Nolato Medical, said: ‘AlpVision’s Fingerprint solution is a welcome addition to our company’s product portfolio, which already consists of a range of tamper-evident caps. The solution can also be used for medical devices which need to be protected against counterfeiting.’

Dr Martin Kutter, president of AlpVision, added: ‘By combining Nolato Medical’s knowledge with our Fingerprint technology, I strongly believe that we will be able to reduce the penetration of counterfeit pharmaceuticals into the legal supply chain and better safeguard patient safety.’

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