I. Introduction
According to Interpol, the problem of counterfeit pharmaceuticals is growing, with more than a million people dying from them annually. [Southwick, 2017] For example, according to estimates, between 72,000 and 169,000 children may suffer pneumonia each year as a result of obtaining false medications, and an additional 116,000 deaths may result from phony anti-malarial drugs. [OECD, 2020] Between April 2020 and April 2021, the US seized 9.5 million counterfeit pills, even though counterfeit drugs are thought to be less than 0.2% of the market in the US. [Bale, 2005] [White, 2023] The prevalence of counterfeit drugs is thought to be much higher in developing and “non-western” countries (Russia 10%, India 15-20%, South East Asia 5-10%, Latin America 10-20%, Africa up to 60%). [Bale, 2005]
Counterfeit drugs pose a significant threat to public health, leading to adverse reactions, treatment failure, and even fatalities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), counterfeit medicines represent a multi-billion dollar industry. To address this issue, smart packaging offers innovative solutions to verify the authenticity of drugs throughout the supply chain.
Smart packaging refers to the integration of advanced technologies into traditional packaging materials to provide additional functionalities beyond containment and protection. In recent years, the pharmaceutical industry has witnessed a growing trend towards the incorporation of smart packaging technologies to enhance drug tracking and combat the menace of counterfeiting. The smart packaging global market value is expected to reach approximately US$ 52.1 billion by 2032. [Market.Us, 2023] Assuming pharmaceuticals represent a quarter of the smart packaging market, the segment will represent US$ 13 billion.
Smart packaging technologies enable real-time monitoring, tracking, and authentication of drugs, ensuring patient safety and regulatory compliance. In this article, we will explore the various applications and benefits of smart packaging for drug tracking and anti-counterfeiting.
II. Quick Response (QR) Codes
A QR code, or quick response code, is a type of two-dimensional barcode that is used to store and transmit information. It consists of dark squares arranged on a white background, typically in a square shape. QR codes can store various types of data, including text, uniform resource locators (URLs), contact information, and more. [DENSO WAVE, 2013]
QR codes are mainly used for quickly accessing online information. When scanned using a smartphone or tablet's camera, the QR code is decoded and the information it contains is displayed on the device. This allows users to easily access websites, download apps, view product information, make payments, and perform various other actions.
QR codes are commonly used in marketing and advertising to provide a quick and convenient way for users to access websites, promotional offers, or additional product details. They can also be found on business cards, event tickets, product packaging, and other physical objects to provide a digital link or enhance user engagement.
QR codes are also widely used in smart packaging for drug tracking and anti-counterfeiting purposes. These QR codes can store unique product identification codes, the name of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), the brand name, the name and address of the manufacturer, the batch number, the batch size, the date of manufacture, and the date of expiry or retesting. By scanning the QR code, patients and healthcare professionals can access a wealth of information about the drug, including its authenticity and supply chain history.
QR codes were invented in Japan and have been popular in the country for the past decade. [DENSO WAVE, 2013] In Japan, the package insert bundled with pharmaceutical products has been abolished and replaced by a barcode. The GS1 standard barcode, which may take the form of a QR code, is printed on the outer box of the product and is used to access the electronic version of the package insert, which is published on the website of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) . [Nagaoka, 2022] The barcode system allows for the provision of up-to-date information on the proper use and safety of pharmace...
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