Scratch code linked to App helps to fight counterfeit drugs in India | 20-06-2021 |

Proving that even simple ‘smart’ solutions on packaging can be effective, Zydus Cadila, an Indian pharma company, has introduced a new feature called Zydus Verify in its packaging of critical drugs.This helps patients ensure that the product is not fake or counterfeit. The company has incorporated a new IT enabled scratch code which will be printed under a scratchable surface.

Patients can check to see if the product purchased by them is genuine or not by scratching the surface and verifying the code through the app or the website. This security feature, developed by Hyperlink Infosystem, enables patients and institutions to detect any counterfeitssimply and effectively they claim, according to the report in BioSpectrum India.

With increasing instances of counterfeit products in the Indian market it was necessary to ensure that only 100% genuine products from Zydus are available to patients. Initially the technology is being implemented in the company's Remdac (Remdesivir) and VirafinInj (Pegylated Interpheron Alpha 2b) products and will be seen on these packs in the third week of June. The new feature will also be extended to other drugs in the company’s range in due course.

Speaking on the new initiative Dr Sharvil Patel, MD, Cadila Healthcare , said, "The problem of counterfeit drugs undermines the painstaking efforts that are put in to ensure that the end user or patients receive a product that is safe and manufactured with the highest standards of quality excellence. Counterfeit drugs can be harmful as not only may they not have the desired outcome but could also be life threatening in some cases.”

“To curb this menace we looked at a user friendly solution which can reassure the patient that the product is genuine and safe. Zydus Verify is a tech enabled solution that will safeguard patients against counterfeit drugs," he added.