NEWS: New Pharma Label: Seeing Stars is All about Security

04-07-2017

 Covectra, a serialization, authentication, and track and trace technology services provider, recently launched  StellaGUARD, a new security solution for pharma products. The label is embedded with stars that are arranged in unique and random patterns and contain a serialized GS1 2D barcode, enabling real time authentication and serialized pedigree tracking through the use of a mobile app, also developed by Covectra.

The StellaGUARD label can be applied to virtually any package and material, says the company. But the product was developed in anticipation of the EU's 2019 Falsified Medicines Directive requirement for tamper evident seals on all pharma and OTC primary packages.

The label is integrated with Covectra's EPCIS Certified AuthentiTrack database, which is managing over two billion serial numbers. This enables the label to be used not just for rapid authentication, but also for diversion detection and isolation, it claims.

"Our patented solution offers two layers of protection, leveraging the benefits of a barcode and connecting it with an image of a random pattern of 'stars' embedded in a label, providing instantaneous authentication and copy-detect protection," says Steve Wood, Covectra president. "Since barcodes can be easily copied, this new solution makes counterfeiting virtually impossible, which is especially critical for the pharmaceutical industry," he added.

Using smartphone technology, a user can scan the 2D barcode with a mobile device and a photographic image is taken with the phone. The app's software then identifies and validates the barcode. Upon authentication, product information and customized marketing messages can also be displayed by the brand owner.