The NFC technology can offer several important functionalities such as tamper evidence, secure authentication, end-to-end traceability, and easy re-ordering. In the case of pharmaceutical products, it can also connect the patient to easy-to-read instructions, video/audio guides, helplines, social media support groups, and even to their doctor or clinician.
Previously, these functionalities were restricted to high-value (or high-risk) products due to the cost of traditional NFC inlays and their integrated circuits. Now, thanks to the joint effort of Schreiner MediPharm, PragmatIC, and Avery Dennison, these options can be embedded in cost-sensitive, everyday healthcare and pharmaceutical products.
At the core of these new cost-effective smart technology are Avery Dennison’s NFC inlays, which include NFC ICs from the ConnectIC range of products manufactured by PragmatIC, a UK-based world leader in ultra-low-cost electronics. As these flexible ICs (FlexICs) are thinner than a human hair and robust, they are suitable for small diameter objects and provide the ideal technology for adding a unique identity to cost-sensitive products, for example, small syringes or vials.
Avery Dennison’s inlays with ConnectIC chips have been adopted by Schreiner MediPharm to extend its portfolio.
‘For Schreiner MediPharm, solving customer and application-specific problems is of particular importance. The partnership with Avery Dennison and PragmatIC enables unmet needs to be served in order to support users and to avoid medication errors for a much wider range of products. Thus, we can contribute to enhanced product safety and support patient centricity at a much larger scale,’ said Stefan Wiedemann, senior director of strategic marketing and business development at Schreiner MediPharm.
‘This partnership illustrates how our ground-breaking ConnectIC product line is set to accelerate the deployment of RFID-based digital solutions in the healthcare sector,’ commented Scott White, CEO of PragmatIC. ‘We are really pleased to see the adoption of our technology by leading global suppliers like Schreiner MediPharm and Avery Dennison and look forward to working closely with both of them to improve patient outcomes around the world.’
Francisco Melo, vice president and general manager of Avery Dennison Intelligent Labels, added: ‘We have always believed that integrating RFID into pharmaceutical products helps improve patient safety by enabling more accurate tracking and authentication of medication through the entire supply chain, with the goal of reducing error rates to nearly zero. With our new low-cost inlays based on ConnectIC FlexICs and our partnership with PragmatIC and Schreiner MediPharm, we help to enhance patient safety and experiences through novel smart packaging applications.’
Avery Dennison’s low-cost NFC inlays and Schreiner MediPharm’s labeling technology are expected to be available in the first quarter of 2021.
