Pfizer and GSK drug anti-counterfeiting moves

In a continuing effort to combat drug counterfeiting and protect patients, on November 15, Pfizer announced a new initiative to use radio frequency identification (RFID) tags that will enable wholesalers and pharmacies to authenticate all supplies of its erectile dysfunction drug Viagra (sildenafil) sold in the USA. The project supports US Food and Drug Administration efforts to promote the development of standards and processes in preparation for RFID's broader use across the pharmaceutical industry. Pfizer will begin planning for the project immediately and has set a goal to start shipping Viagra with RFID technology by end-2005.

RFID incorporates the use of small radio frequency tags on product packaging that can be electronically scanned to authenticate and track products through the distribution system, from manufacturing plant to retail pharmacy.

Pfizer was the first company in the pharmaceutical industry to implement an RFID program on such a broad basis and it says that Viagra was selected because it is one of the most recognizable and counterfeited medicines in the USA.