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Drug counterfeiting and decentralized whistleblowers
Hossein Omidian1, Yadollah Omidi1
1College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA.
Drug Discovery Today
|August 22, 2022
Summary
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is piloting blockchain technology to combat drug counterfeiting. Additional global strategies are needed to ensure medication safety and accessibility worldwide.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical supply chain management
- Blockchain technology applications
- Global health security
Background:
- Drug counterfeiting poses a significant global health threat.
- Existing supply chain vulnerabilities facilitate counterfeit drug distribution.
- Technological solutions are being explored to enhance drug traceability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) pilot project using blockchain for drug supply chain security.
- To highlight the potential of blockchain technology in tracking and tracing pharmaceutical deliveries.
- To propose complementary strategies for combating drug counterfeiting globally.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a pilot project involving 24 pharmaceutical supply chain companies.
- Utilizing blockchain technology to track and trace drug deliveries across various stakeholders.
- Analysis of the potential impact of technological adoption on drug counterfeiting.
Main Results:
- The FDA's pilot project demonstrates the application of blockchain in pharmaceutical track-and-trace systems.
- Blockchain offers a robust mechanism for enhancing transparency and security in the drug supply chain.
- The study underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach beyond technology.
Conclusions:
- Blockchain technology is a valuable tool in the fight against counterfeit drugs.
- Governments and pharmaceutical companies should collaborate to implement blockchain infrastructure globally.
- Expanding access to affordable medications through international cooperation and local manufacturing is crucial for global health equity.
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