ePedigree from IBM makes debut to counter fake drugs

Filed in archive Healthcare on August 10, 2007

Whereas on one hand modern medicine has increased the life expectancy of average man on the other hand fake medicines have been trying to offset the benefits offered by genuine medicines. WHO has labeled counterfeit medicine as a case of silent epidemic which devours on the life of sick patients. As per an estimate around ten percent of the medicines selling in the market come under the category of fake drugs and over the years it has become increasingly difficult even for expert medical professionals to differentiate between a genuine and fake drug.

In order to curb this menace last year IBM had unveiled its RFID based anti counterfeiting technology for the drug industry which has now been finally launched. This electronic pedigree system or ePedigree helps pharma companies to create authentication certificates for every medicine bottle which remains attached to the bottle until it reaches the end consumer. This is expected to make counterfeit drugs a part of the history. It will get a further push as states like California are looking forward to pass a law which will require any medication being distributed in the state to have its life history attached to it. I believe that it is one of the best possible uses RFID technology is being put use to i.e. to serve the mankind.

Via engadget