An initiative of NATIONAL INTERNET EXCHANGE OF INDIA & DIGITAL EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

Battling Counterfeit Medicine With an SMS

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Description

PharmaSecure (PS) has developed a Digital Mass Serialization (DMS) solution to address the problem of counterfeit drugs that enables distributors, pharmacists, and – most importantly – consumers to authenticate the drugs they purchase using a mobile phone. PS prints codes containing unique, randomly-generated identification codes on each packaging unit and has constructed a secure database linking each random code to the drug name, serial number, and expiration date. Upon purchasing, customers will enter the code into a cell phone, SMS it to the PS number and receive instant confirmation of the drug’s expiration date and authenticity. The PS system will also help to address the problem of drug diversion, which could allow drug manufacturers to practice price discrimination – enabling them to provide medications to poorer countries for lower prices. In the long term, this technology will be used to generate market data and allow for authentication of other high-value products. PS uses technology that is inexpensive and usable by people who are most vulnerable to counterfeiting. The approach has been validated not only by pharmaceutical companies and public health experts both in India and the US, but by end-users on the ground in India as well.

What we deliver

PS delivers the ability to easily and quickly determine if drugs a consumer has in their possession are real or fake. Using existing SMS technology, PS has developed a system for end-users to send a unique verification code on the medicine packaging to an SMS number. Once sent, the consumer will receive customizable messages based on whether the drug purchased is authentic, over-verified or expired, and a rejection message if the code is not valid. In addition to drug authentication, PS is pursuing pilots to explore the possibility of helping customers keep on track with their prescription regiments. Once a patient gives their information, PS can facilitate communication, reminding consumers to take their medicine.

Whom we deliver

Major pharmaceutical companies in India.

Why is the project unique?

Throughout an initial pilot, there was an extensive amount of data gathered regarding the pharmaceutical companies, consumers, and doctors. Compiled, these results further differentiate and show the unique benefits of the PS system. The companies saw in increase in brand-recognition and credibility. From the consumer’s perspective, they saw direct health improvements, spent less time in the hospital, and had the ability to restore their income faster. The doctors showed an increase in confidence knowing drugs they prescribe are authentic and benefited from an improved image within the community. Overall, the PS system is distinctive because it is an extremely cost-effective way to eliminate counterfeit drugs throughout India and the world. The system is simple to use and the same whether in a metropolis or a remote part of India, as long as there is mobile reception. The PS system is also extremely customizable and can be implemented in any language available on mobile devices.

Roadmap

We believe this is extremely powerful. As we travel throughout the world – whether in India, Africa, Europe, America, or other places, almost everyone has a mobile phone. It will be exciting to see the applications built for these mobile phones and the technology that will be developed to further empower the masses in various ways. This will not only have a major impact in the world of health, but almost in all areas of our lives.

Contact

Nakul Pasricha

PharmaSecure PAS India Pvt. Ltd.

403, DLF City Court

Gurgaon, Haryana, India

122002

URL/Website – www.phamasecure.com

 

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