Unleashing the Power of Technology in the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain: The Rise of Traceability
By Kristy Sheng
Ensuring the authenticity and origin of drugs in a complex pharmaceutical supply chain remains a significant challenge, yet it is imperative for safeguarding global health. A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that counterfeit medicines account for 10% of the global market, posing a significant threat to patient safety and health. However, technological advancements are revolutionizing traceability within this complex system.
The Importance of Traceability
Counterfeit drugs are not merely ineffective; they can be life-threatening. They may contain harmful substances, lack essential ingredients, or be improperly stored, leading to serious health complications. Implementing robust tracking systems allows for the identification and removal of these fraudulent products from circulation, protecting patients from potential harm. Traceability also facilitates targeted recalls in case of contamination or product defects. According to a study by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), around 25% of India’s drugs are fake, counterfeit or substandard. This highlights the urgency for stricter measures to curb the circulation of such dangerous products. It is therefore essential that the printing industry follows good and fair practices and are compliant with the globally acceptable Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
Technological Solutions
Advancements in technology are empowering the pharmaceutical industry to achieve a new level of transparency and security. Processes like serialization involve assigning a distinct identifier to every single unit of medication. This unique code, often encoded in a 2D barcode, allows authorities and consumers to track the product’s journey from its origin at the manufacturing facility to the point of care at the pharmacy or hospital. Technologies like Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) printing, offered by HP, provide efficient and reliable solutions for manufacturers to seamlessly integrate these traceability measures into their packaging processes. TIJ technology enables high-resolution 2D, QR codes, and text across a wide range of substrates at high speeds with a no maintenance, easy-to-use, snap-in and snap-out configuration.
Benefits of Tech-Driven Traceability
Enhanced traceability strengthens consumer confidence in the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain by providing consumers with the ability to verify the authenticity of their medication through smartphone apps or online portals, fostering trust in healthcare systems and empowering patients to make informed decisions about their medicine. Additionally, robust tracking systems streamline logistics and reduce counterfeiting, ultimately leading to cost savings within the pharmaceutical industry. Accurate product information, such as expiration dates and batch numbers, is vital for effective traceability. TIJ printers empower companies to effortlessly track products throughout their lifecycle, enhancing product safety and minimizing the occurrence of product recalls.
By embracing technological advancements like TIJ printing, the pharmaceutical industry can build a more secure and transparent supply chain. Implementing robust traceability systems safeguards patients from counterfeit drugs, fosters trust in the healthcare system, and streamlines operations, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders. As the industry continues to evolve, ongoing collaboration between technology providers and pharmaceutical manufacturers will be crucial to ensure the safety and integrity of medications for patients worldwide.
(The author is Kristy Sheng, APJ Region Manager for Specialty Print & Technology Services for HP Inc., and the views expressed in this article are her own)
