The proliferation of both counterfeit and generic drug equivalents has put increasing pressure on manufacturers to use cutting-edge printed labels to mark out their products as unique.
According to leading pharma label expert Jan T Hart, innovation is the order of the day when it comes to modern drug distribution.
He said: "Counterfeit drugs, more generic suppliers and a constant flow of new regulations create a tough environment for the pharmaceutical packaging industry."
Mr Hart added that a much more collaborative strategy is needed to ensure that brand owners and supply chain operators get to the heart of the problem of correctly labelling products.
One of the innovations being considered is the use of pre-filled syringes with the appropriate printed label affixed highlighting the needle's contents.
According to research from the Medical University of South Carolina, the quantity of drugs used in operating theatres can be markedly reduced with the use of pre-filled syringes.
Denny Bros Ltd, 31 October 2011
