RFID to Fight Drug Counterfeiting

Filed in archive Healthcare on February 20, 2004

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is backing RFID as a way to stamp out prescription drug counterfeiting. RFID tracking technology would create an electronic pedigree that follows the drug from its manufacture to the point of dispensing.

Accenture has been tapped to be the RFID program manager for a group of drug manufacturers, Distributors and retailers in this effort.

The FDA issued a report on combating counterfeit drugs that identifies the RFID strategy. The report also mentions that Wal-Mart (surprise!) will be requiring RFID tracking on all narcotics in its pharmacies this year.