Zydus Cadila, an innovation-driven pharmaceutical company announced that it has introduced a new feature in the packaging of its critical drugs to help patients ensure that the product is not fake or counterfeited. The company has incorporated a new IT enabled scratch code which shall be printed under a scratchable surface. The 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 detect counterfeits. All that one needs to do is scratch the code and immediately verify this on an app or website, in no time.

With increasing instances of counterfeit products in the market it was necessary to ensure that a 100% genuine product of Zydus is available to patients. To start with the technology is being implemented in the Company’s products Remdac (Remdesivir) and Virafin Inj (Pegylated Interpheron Alpha 2b) and will be seen on the product packs in the third week of June. The new feature will also be extended to other products of the company.

Speaking on the new initiative Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Cadila Healthcare Ltd., 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 they may not have the desired outcome and 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 techenabled solution that will safeguard patients against counterfeit drugs.”

How does ‘Zydus Verify’ work?

 Each pack has a concealed secret code which comes with a scratchable surface

 The customer who buys the pack, scratches the surface and finds a code

 He/She downloads Zydus Verify App from Google Play store and Apple Store or visits the website and enters the code on the pack

 The App connects the code and flashes the brand name verifying a genuine purchase.

“This ultra-lightweight addition brings new opportunities closer in reach with our global sterile supply chain partners,” says Valerie Henderson, Medical Packaging Product Manager for Neenah.

Single-use medical devices are gaining popularity as they help lower costs, increase efficiency, and reduce the spread of infection. Most single-use devices have a shelf life of 3-5 years, making it imperative that the sterilization process remain intact from supplier to opening at the final destination. Kraft-based medical packaging, used for single-use devices, can tear or burst due to packing or transportation style. It is essential that medical packaging be durable, especially if it is lightweight.

The new ultra-lightweight 72 gsm (grams per square meter) grade joins Neenah’s medical packaging offering that currently includes lightweight 85 gsm and heavyweight 112 gsm options. The entire paper-based product line is manufactured using FSC controlled fibers, compliant with regulatory standards, and accepts steam and Ethylene Oxide (EO) sterilization methods. These products also deliver superior breathable barrier properties, plus excellent conformability and printability.

“Recently, we’ve witnessed extreme and unprecedented growth in the wound care market. With this revolutionary, ultra-lightweight reinforced paper, Neenah is reacting in real-time to help our customers grow and embrace new opportunities. I’m excited to bring this innovative solution to the market,” says Jaime Zohrer, International Sales Development Manager for Neenah.