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September 26, 2006
RFID + Pharmaceuticals: Pfizer Combats Fake Viagra
With the deadline fast approaching (Dec 1st) for US FDA compliance for some drugs to be e-pedigreed, pharmaceutical companies are already rolling out specific applications. Pfizer, for example, is using RFID to fight counterfeiting of Viagra [Tech News World]. Viagra - used to restore sexual potency in men - is probably one of the most popular drugs right now, and probably thus a common target of counterfeiting - at least if the dozens of junk emails I get regularly is any indication.
Wal-Mart is also expecting cases and pallets of drugs from certain providers to be tagged, which will likely drive the need for more RFID pharma usage - what with Wal-Mart being the all-powerful retailer that they are. But whether Wal-Mart is dictating usage or not, some experts feel that RFID is the only option for fighting counterfeiting - of drugs or pretty much any high-ticket luxury items. Pharmaceuticals, however, have been typically slow to implement radio frequency technology.
In the case of Pfizer, they are applying passive HF (High Frequency) RF tags to each bottle. Wholesalers and pharmacies receiving product can check authenticity using an RFID reader and an Internet connection. The product is held if its EPC (Electronic Product Code) does not match the expected code for the manufacturer. Since the bottles are expected to be sent back to Pfizer, I'm wondering who is paying for the shipping costs. In the Tech News World article (linked above), Pfizer is indicated as saying that other businesses in their supply chain just are not ready to be part of an e-pedigree system.
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