Printed labels and packaging play an important role in the fight against counterfeit drugs.
Counterfeit drugs are a particular problem in India, with the country recently announcing its plans to send a three member team from its Central Drug Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) to conduct inspections on drug manufacturing units in China.
According to a Union Health Ministry official, it comes as some are concerned about the certification of some of the manufacturers.
Matt Hartzell, chief operating officer at Smith & Associates, told Manufacturing.net that as counterfeiting techniques improve so do the efforts to prevent and stop them.
"Unfortunately, the globalisation of the supply chain has introduced opportunities at every level for counterfeiters," he explained.
Tampered-with labels and packaging are huge indicators of potential counterfeiting, which is why many firms are embracing anti-counterfeit pharma labels.
He also warned pharma stockists against deals that look too good to be true, as they normally are.
Denny Bros Ltd, 12 January 2012
