Counterfeit Drugs Research Articles

Experiences of Consumers on the Health Effects of Fake and Adulterated Medicines in Nigeria

Medicines are used to cure and treat ailments, relieve or eliminate disease symptoms, and slow down the disease process. Any attempt to disrupt this natural medicine process, using falsified medications, spells doom to a consumer of such medication. The challenge of fake medicines is a global one and affects developing and developed nations and currently assumes great significance as a result of globalization challenges, which have flattened the entire world, hence removing barriers to the movement of products and services. The cross-sectional survey was conducted, using six local government areas of Anambra State in South-East Nigeria, namely Awka, Nnewi, Onitsha, Aguata, Ogbaru, and Anaocha, among adults aged 18 years and above. A minimum sample size of 500 was calculated and stratified sampling was employed to select respondents in order to ensure that various population groups, the upper class, middle class, and lower class were represented. This research has shown that falsified medicine is an evil wind that blows nobody any good. It negatively affects every aspect of the citizen’s livelihood, ranging from their health, which manifests as treatment failures, deformities, loss of life to death, to loss of confidence in the healthcare providers, revenue losses to individuals, healthcare providers, manufacturers, and finally corruption of the genuine medicines supply chain with fake and adulterated medicines. The study has clearly shown the experiences of residents of Anambra State, South-East Nigeria with fake and adulterated medicines and also services as a wake-up call to medicines regulators like NAFDAC, PCN, the PSN, and Federal Ministry of Health to declare a state of emergency on the fight against fake and adulterated medicines and make enabling laws that are punitive enough towards the fight against this scourge, so that the healthcare and well-being of Nigerians would be assured at all times.

Perceived Prevalence, Awareness and Attitude towards Counterfeit Medicines among Community Pharmacists of Kathmandu Valley: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

Counterfeit medicines are a significant problem globally. In a developing country like Nepal, community pharmacists play an important role in dispensing medicines. The study was done to assess community pharmacists' perceived prevalence, awareness and attitude towards counterfeit medicines in Kathmandu valley. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. Data was collected conveniently from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur districts in March 2022 after obtaining ethical clearance from Nepal Health Research Council (reference no. 2200) and taking written informed consent from Community Pharmacists. Results: Among the 343 pharmacists who participated, 250 (72.89%) were from Kathmandu, 57 (16.62%) were from Lalitpur, and 36 (10.50%) from Bhaktapur. Most 252 (73.47%) were aged between 20 to 30 years, 222 (64.72%) were male, 239 (69.68%) had done a Diploma in Pharmacy, 201 (58.60%) had working experience of more than 5 years and 342 (99.71%) had done their education in Nepal. Their median perceived prevalence of counterfeit drugs was 10.00% but only 2.30% had clear knowledge of such practice. 332 (96.79%) believed that actions should be taken against community pharmacists dispensing counterfeit drugs, 325 (94.75%) believed that pharmacists who dispense counterfeit medicines are unprofessional; 338 (98.54%) stated that there should be strong law against counterfeit medicine sales. Median perceived prevalence of counterfeit medicines was 10.00% but only 2.30% were aware of counterfeit medicine dispensing. Out of 343 pharmacists, 332 (96.79%) mentioned that action should be taken against those pharmacists knowingly dispensing counterfeit medicines and 338 (98.54%) stated that there should be strong law against counterfeit medicines.

Addressing food and medication quality control challenges in Nigeria: Insights and recommendations

Nigeria faces significant challenges in ensuring the quality control of both food and medication, which directly impact public health and safety. This review provides insights into the prevailing issues and offers recommendations to address these pressing concerns. Firstly, regarding food quality control, Nigeria grapples with issues such as contamination, adulteration, and inadequate monitoring along the supply chain. These problems lead to widespread instances of foodborne illnesses and undermine consumer confidence. Furthermore, the lack of standardized protocols and enforcement mechanisms exacerbates the situation, allowing substandard products to proliferate in the market. Similarly, the medication quality control landscape in Nigeria is riddled with challenges including counterfeit drugs, poor storage conditions, and insufficient regulatory oversight. Counterfeit medications not only fail to treat illnesses effectively but also contribute to antimicrobial resistance, posing a grave threat to public health. Moreover, the absence of robust pharmacovigilance systems hampers the detection and reporting of adverse drug reactions, further compromising patient safety. To address these multifaceted challenges, a comprehensive approach is imperative. Recommendations include strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing surveillance systems, investing in laboratory infrastructure, and fostering collaboration between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and international partners. Additionally, public awareness campaigns and education initiatives are vital to empower consumers with knowledge about safe food and medication practices. In conclusion, tackling food and medication quality control challenges in Nigeria demands concerted efforts from various stakeholders. By implementing the proposed recommendations, Nigeria can safeguard public health, mitigate economic losses, and foster sustainable development.

Blockchain technology in drug traceability

Currently, Drug Counterfeiting is biggest challenge pharma industry is encountering as high market demand of the drugs and due to high profit margin. The lack of data transparency and lack of traceability also lured black market for the counterfeiting which impact Pharma organization and putting the life of the patient in danger. Through the Drug Supply chain substantial portion of the counterfeit drug are getting injected and distributed through healthcare supply chain network, so supply chain is playing vital role in the drug distribution and impact the patient life. Through digitalization in the healthcare sector, Blockchain technology give platform with groundbreaking results via providing the system for the drug traceability with consideration of the critical requirement of transparency, privacy, authenticity with involving any third party. In Blockchain technology, each distribution partner registered to maintain transparency with the drug information. Real time transfer the information about the change of ownership with date and time in forms of blocks giving the visibility to all the partners real time with authenticity of drugs. This article will give the information about the use of the block chain technology benefit to the pharmaceuticals industry and traceability and trackability information of drugs from end-to-end of the pharmaceutical supply chain.

The Latest Quantum and Medical, Quantum and Pharmaceutical Technologies in Countering the Criminal and Legal, Forensic and Pharmaceutical Risks of Circulation of Falsified Drugs

Healthcare institutions manage the distribution of essential medications within the legal framework involving doctors, patients, and pharmacists. The criminal laws of Ukraine hold individuals accountable for distributing counterfeit medicinal products. However, members of criminal organizations often evade prosecution. There is a promising future in integrating quantum medicine, including quantum physics and quantum pharmacy, into forensic pharmaceutical, forensic medical, forensic narcological, and forensic criminalistic research. This advancement could significantly enhance our ability to combat the negative consequences associated with the circulation of falsified drugs. The incorporation of quantum medical and pharmaceutical technologies is anticipated to revolutionize forensic practices. These technologies could provide new methods for detecting and preventing the distribution of counterfeit drugs, thereby protecting public health. Additionally, they may offer innovative solutions for addressing the legal and criminal implications of these activities. As quantum medicine progresses, it will likely play a crucial role in strengthening the integrity of healthcare systems and ensuring the safe distribution of medications. The potential of these technologies in forensic and pharmaceutical fields represents a significant step forward in the fight against drug falsification.

Electrospray deposition of physical unclonable functions for drug anti-counterfeiting

In recent years, pharmaceutical counterfeiting has become an increasingly dangerous situation. A patient who unknowingly consumes a counterfeit drug is at a serious health risk. To address this problem, a low-cost and robust approach for authentication that can be administered at the point-of-care is required. Our proposed solution uses Optical Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs); patterns formed by a stochastic process that can be used for authentication. We create edible PUFs (ePUFs) using electrospray deposition, which utilizes strong electric fields to atomize a liquid suspension into a plume of micro-scale droplets that are delivered to the target. The ePUFs are electrospray-deposited from an edible ink directly onto the surface of the drug tablets. The process parameters (flow rate, translation speed, and suspension concentration) govern the characteristics of the ePUF to provide highly stochastic patterns. To evaluate our approach, 200 ePUFs were deposited onto tablets at various conditions, followed by imaging and storage of the patterns in a database. For ePUF authentication, a machine vision approach was created using the open source SIFT pattern matching algorithm. Using optimized pattern-matching constraints, our algorithm was shown to be 100% successful in authenticating the cellphone images of the ePUFs to the database. Additionally, the algorithm was found to be robust against changes in illumination and orientation of the cellphone images.

Transparency interventions to improve health system outcomes in low and middle-income countries: a narrative systematic review

ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify the types of transparency interventions in the health systems of the low-income and middle-income countries and the outcomes of such interventions in those systems.MethodWe searched...

The Conflict Between Pharmaceutical Patent Right and Life Right and Its Resolution Mechanism: From the Perspective of Legal Philosophy

This paper explores the conflict between pharmaceutical patent rights and the right to life and its resolution mechanisms from the perspective of legal philosophy. It begins by discussing how the outbreak of COVID-19 has led to increased global demands for vaccines, temporary medical facilities, and public health controls, which in turn has sparked reflection on the relationship between pharmaceutical patents and the rights to life and health. The paper then analyzes several typical cases, including the Haiqing Ni counterfeit drug case, the Lu Yong case, and the Shanghai fake vaccine case, to illustrate the specific points of conflict between patent rights and the right to life. It also discusses the positive relationship between patent rights and the right to life, as well as the negative impact of the monopolistic nature of patent rights on the protection of the right to life. To resolve these conflicts, the paper proposes some existing measures, such as the application of the principle of proportionality and the compulsory licensing system, and suggests future possible measures, including the re-improvement of existing measures and the establishment of feasible new measures. In conclusion, while existing measures have alleviated the conflict to some extent, there are still difficulties and limitations in their implementation, necessitating further legislative and regulatory improvements.

Pharmaceuticals: Management Safety of Circulation of Drugs

The adoption and implementation of EU pharmaceutical directives and regulatory documents in Ukraine will significantly enhance the level of public health protection. Establishing a unified pharmaceutical market with EU countries will also improve the safety, quality, and accessibility of medications in Ukraine. To achieve these objectives, a comprehensive system for managing drug circulation safety has been proposed, with detailed functions and roles elaborated. Key components of this safety management system include robust monitoring mechanisms, stringent regulatory compliance measures, and effective communication channels among stakeholders. By implementing these measures, Ukraine can ensure that drugs are safe, effective, and of high quality, thereby fostering greater public trust in the healthcare system. Additionally, the integration of advanced technologies and best practices from EU countries can streamline drug approval processes, reduce counterfeit medications, and enhance pharmacovigilance. Efforts to improve the circulation of drugs will not only guarantee their safety and quality but also make them more readily available to the population. This will involve upgrading infrastructure, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and fostering collaboration with international pharmaceutical organizations. Overall, these initiatives are crucial for aligning Ukraine's pharmaceutical sector with European standards, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for its citizens and a more resilient healthcare system.

Estimating the Prevalence of Using Suspected Counterfeit Medications in the General Population.

Counterfeit medications, sometimes referred to as "fake" or falsified drugs or pills, are drugs that are illicitly manufactured but designed to look like legitimate pharmaceuticals. Counterfeit medications are a growing public health concern. This study estimated the prevalence of self-reported use of suspected counterfeit medications by adults in the US and to assess what ingredients these individuals suspected were in the counterfeit medications. This general population survey, drawn from an online panel, was administered across 2 waves in 2022 (15 April 3 June and 9 September 21 October) to 59,041 adults aged 18 and older. Statistical calibration weighting was used to calculate estimates representative of the national adult population. An estimated 1.8% (95% CI 1.7%-1.9%) of respondents, corresponding to approximately 4.6 million adults, suspected past 12-month use of counterfeit medications. Fentanyl was the most commonly suspected ingredient in the counterfeit product (16.1%, 95% CI 12.8%-19.3%). The next most prevalent response was "I don't know" (15.0%, 95% CI 11.0%-18.9%) followed by methamphetamine (14.9%, 95% CI 11.4%-18.4%). These data show the scale of the issue in relation to other well established drug use data points in the US. System-level methods, such as drug scanning software, should be implemented to reduce the likelihood that counterfeit drugs end up in the hands of individuals.

CoDuBoTeSS: A Pilot Study to Eradicate Counterfeit Drugs via a Blockchain Tracer Support System on the Nigerian Frontier

The pharma-sector has maintained improved productivity and profitability via a concerted effort to address critical issues such as an unorganized regulatory system, lack of safety data, no standards in manufacture process, non-adaptation to pharma-chain, and no-harmony of inventory supports. Study proposes blockchain trace-support to ensure drugs quality, consumer safety, and its trading as asset. It uses a radio-frequency identification sensor to register manufacture and administration process, and provide a databank to trace drug records. Results notes: (a) presents a roadmap for adoption by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to ensure a traceable pharmaceutical blockchain, (b) show ensemble is scalable for up-to 7500users to yield a performance of 1138-transactions per seconds with response time of 88secs for page retrieval and 128secs for queries respectively, and (c) yields slightly longer time for increased number of users via its world-state as stored in the permissionless blockchain hyper-fabric ledger. Thus, the framework can directly query and retrieve data without it traversing the whole ledger. This, in turn, improves the efficiency and effectiveness of the traceability system. Keywords: Blockchain, Counterfeit drugs, Healthcare, Nigeria, CORDA, hyper-ledger fabric, HIPPA Journal Reference Format: Ifioko, A.M., Yoro, R.E., Okpor, M.D., Brizimor, S.E, Obasuyi, D., Emordi, F.U., Odiakaose, C.C., Ojugo, A.A., Atuduhor, R.R, Abere, R.A., Ejeh, P.O., Ako, R.E. & Geteloma, V.O. (2024): CoDuBoTeSS: A Pilot Study to Eradicate Counterfeit Drugs via a Blockchain Tracer Support System on the Nigerian Frontier. Journal of Behavioural Informatics, Digital Humanities and Development Rese Vol. 10 No. 2. Pp 53-74 https://www.isteams.net/behavioralinformaticsjournal dx.doi.org/10.22624/AIMS/BHI/V10N2P6

CoDuBoTeSS: A Pilot Study to Eradicate Counterfeit Drugs via a Blockchain Tracer Support System on the Nigerian Frontier

The pharma-sector has maintained improved productivity and profitability via a concerted effort to address critical issues such as an unorganized regulatory system, lack of safety data, no standards in manufacture process, non-adaptation to pharma-chain, and no-harmony of inventory supports. Study proposes blockchain trace-support to ensure drugs quality, consumer safety, and its trading as asset. It uses a radio-frequency identification sensor to register manufacture and administration process, and provide a databank to trace drug records. Results notes: (a) presents a roadmap for adoption by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to ensure a traceable pharmaceutical blockchain, (b) show ensemble is scalable for up-to 7500users to yield a performance of 1138-transactions per seconds with response time of 88secs for page retrieval and 128secs for queries respectively, and (c) yields slightly longer time for increased number of users via its world-state as stored in the permissionless blockchain hyper-fabric ledger. Thus, the framework can directly query and retrieve data without it traversing the whole ledger. This, in turn, improves the efficiency and effectiveness of the traceability system. Keywords: Blockchain, Counterfeit drugs, Healthcare, Nigeria, CORDA, hyper-ledger fabric, HIPPA Journal Reference Format: Ifioko, A.M., Yoro, R.E., Okpor, M.D., Brizimor, S.E, Obasuyi, D., Emordi, F.U., Odiakaose, C.C., Ojugo, A.A., Atuduhor, R.R, Abere, R.A., Ejeh, P.O., Ako, R.E. & Geteloma, V.O. (2024): CoDuBoTeSS: A Pilot Study to Eradicate Counterfeit Drugs via a Blockchain Tracer Support System on the Nigerian Frontier. Journal of Behavioural Informatics, Digital Humanities and Development Rese Vol. 10 No. 2. Pp 53-74 https://www.isteams.net/behavioralinformaticsjournal dx.doi.org/10.22624/AIMS/BIJ/V10N1P6

Drug Traceability using Blockchain

The medicine supply tracking system that has been built uses blockchain-based technology to address the widespread problem of counterfeit pharmaceuticals. The solution utilizes the decentralized structure of blockchain to guarantee confidentiality and transparency in the prescribed medicine distribution chain. The blockchain tracks an individual drug's path from producer to customer, providing auditable and immutable documentation of its legitimacy and provenance. Smart contracts automate procedures and enforce pre-established guidelines. "Examples include confirming the authenticity of medicines and triggering alarms for questionable activity. The technique reduces the possibility of counterfeit medicines entering the market by eliminating the need for trust in middlemen through decentralized consensus procedures. In the end, the blockchain-based medicine traceability system improves patient safety by enabling the quick identification and removal of fake medicines from the market.

Advancements in medical research: Exploring Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for tissue, cell, and hair sample analysis.

Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has emerged as a powerful analytical tool in medical research, offering non-invasive and precise examination of the molecular composition of biological samples. The primary objective of this review is to underscore the benefits of FTIR spectroscopy in medicinal research, emphasizing its ability to delineate molecular fingerprints and assist in the identification of biochemical structures and key peaks in biological samples. This review comprehensively explores the diverse applications of FTIR spectroscopy in medical investigations, with a specific focus on its utility in analyzing tissue, cells, and hair samples. Various sources, including Google Scholar, PubMed, WorledCat and Scopus, were utilized to conduct this comprehensive literature review. Recent advancements showcase the versatility of FTIR spectroscopy in elucidating cellular and molecular processes, facilitating disease diagnostics, and enabling treatment monitoring. Notably, FTIR spectroscopy has found significant utility in clinical assessment, particularly in screening counterfeit medicines, owing to its user-friendly operation and minimal sample preparation requirements. Furthermore, customs officials can leverage this technique for preliminary analysis of suspicious samples. This review aims to bridge a gap in the literature and serve as a valuable resource for future research endeavors in FTIR spectroscopy within the medical domain. Additionally, it presents fundamental concepts of FTIR spectroscopy and spectral data interpretation, highlighting its utility as a tool for molecular analysis using Mid-Infrared (MIR) radiation.

Pharmaceutical serialization dynamics to restrain illicit trade and counterfeiting of drugs

Every individual has a fundamental entitlement to healthcare access. It falls upon governments to guarantee the delivery of high-quality healthcare services and infrastructure to their populace.. Over the past few decades, both governments and healthcare industries have been grappling with the challenge of minimizing the adverse effects on public health caused by counterfeit medicines. The World Health Organization has estimated that 40 % medicines in developing and impoverished countries are either counterfeit or potentially adulterated. The global economy suffers billions of dollars in losses due to counterfeit drugs, which also divert funds away from research and development (R&D) initiatives. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has devised a 10-year roadmap to implement drug traceability measures. The Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) has been tasked with mandating the printing of multiple barcodes and human-readable data on product packaging. Additionally, the FDA is actively involved in pilot projects with leading pharmaceutical manufacturers and wholesalers to leverage blockchain technology within interoperable digital networks for secure data transfer and traceability among authorized trading partners. Preventing counterfeit medicines from infiltrating the supply chain remains a significant challenge for governments and regulatory authorities. Consequently, there is a growing emphasis on implementing stringent guidelines to deter criminals and counterfeiters from distributing fake medicines in the market. The healthcare industry requires robust regulations and secure technologies to ensure the delivery of safe and authentic drugs to patients.

Counterfeit Medicine Detection using Blockchain

The healthcare industry has grappled with the challenge of monitoring genuine medicines while counterfeit drugs continue to proliferate, posing significant risks to patient safety. These fraudulent pharmaceuticals not only have detri- mental effects on health but also result in substantial financial losses, with reports indicating annual losses of approximately 200 billion dollars for US pharmaceutical companies. Particu- larly concerning is the World Health Organization’s revelation that in underdeveloped nations, one in every ten medicines consumed by patients is counterfeit and of low quality. To address this critical issue, we use blockchain technology to track the supply chain, from the manufacturing stage to the end- user. Leveraging blockchain technology, our system enhances reliability, transparency, and security in healthcare data. This paper focuses on bolstering transaction security, safeguarding medicine quality, and fortifying data protection through the utilization of blockchain technology.

The potential of electrochemical sensors to unveil counterfeits: Xanax as a case study

The illicit drug market has been constantly evolving in the last decades, with a significant rise in counterfeit medicines posing serious public health risks. Benzodiazepines (BZDs) such as alprazolam (generally sold under the brand name Xanax), have particularly become the target of counterfeiting efforts due to their addictive nature and upsurge of unregulated designer BZDs. These counterfeit versions frequently resemble legitimate products but contain harmful adulterants or other potent illicit substances. Few methods have been developed to tackle counterfeit pills, usually limited to accurate and sophisticated laboratory equipment. This study explores the feasibility of combining electrochemical fingerprinting with data analysis to overcome the limitations of traditional methods. First, the electrochemical behavior of selected BZDs is studied, and analytical parameters such as pH are optimized. Then, the electroanalysis of common adulterants and illicit drugs is addressed and integrated into a user-friendly app, including a flowchart system. The proposed electrochemical strategy enables the detection of counterfeit Xanax by identifying the presence or absence of alprazolam. It also allows determination of the alprazolam content within a pill while meeting the fundamental requirements of the end users. This study represents an on-site methodology to address the growing challenges posed by BZDs, easily transferable to counterfeit medicines from other drug groups.

Fake Xanax: Designer Emerging Benzodiazepine Epidemic Linked to Morbidity and Mortality a Narrative Review.

Etizolam is a thienodiazepine derivative which produces an anxiolytic effect similar to benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax). Like classic benzodiazepines, etizolam has a high affinity towards the GABAA receptor, and allosterically potentiates the effects of GABA resulting in neuronal hyperpolarization related to chloride influx. When taken in therapeutic doses, etizolam produces a similar effect to Xanax. Counterfeit Xanax tablets contain variable amounts of etizolam. Tablets with high amounts of etizolam can cause toxicity if ingested, especially when combined with other substances. When toxic symptoms occur in patients, they may include severe sedation, unconsciousness, and depression of the medullary respiratory center. In this regard, there is the potential for death. Additionally, the rise in fake Xanax tablets containing etizolam and other counterfeit medications has been exacerbated by the difference in regulations regarding these substances in different countries as well as the illegal drug trade. Healthcare providers may also play a role through the over- or underprescribing of certain medications. Thus, in order to combat the rise in counterfeit medications such as fake Xanax, international cooperation, regulation, and enforcement of laws pertaining to the manufacture, prescription, and distribution of these substances are needed.

SECUREMEDS: BLOCKCHAIN PROTECTION FOR DRUG CHANNELS

The World Health Organisation (WHO) highlights the global threat of medicine counterfeiting, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where 10% of drugs may be counterfeit or of inferior quality, hence creating serious health hazards to the general public. Because there are shortages of necessary medications during illness outbreaks, this problem gets worse. Fighting this issue requires increased public awareness campaigns, improved pharmaceutical accessibility, and international cooperation Our goal is to create a strong framework for monitoring pharmaceuticals at every stage of the supply chain—manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and government agencies such as the FDA. A tamper-proof and easily traceable supply chain can be ensured by implementing blockchain technology and using transparent contractual arrangements. Furthermore, cutting-edge techniques like smart contracts made possible by Ganache and Ethereum improve supply chain integrity. Verification codes are sent via email to strengthen authentication processes and provide an additional degree of protection. Moreover, batch number hashing is secured by SHA encryption, guaranteeing complete protection during the distribution process. Global pharmaceutical safety and efficacy are guaranteed by this all-encompassing strategy.. . Keywords— Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Counterfeit Medications Blockchain Technology FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

Pharmaceutical sector: Packaging requirement in serialization

Access to healthcare is a fundamental right for every individual, and it is the responsibility of governments to ensure the provision of quality healthcare services and infrastructure to their citizens. Over the past few decades, both governments and the healthcare industry have been grappling with the challenge of minimizing the adverse effects on public health caused by counterfeit medicines. According to the World Health Organization, approximately four out of ten medicines in developing and impoverished countries are either fake or potentially adulterated, leading to significant economic losses and reducing funds allocated for research and development (R&D) by organizations. Preventing counterfeit medicines from entering the supply chain poses a significant challenge for governments and regulatory authorities. Consequently, there is a concerted effort to establish stringent guidelines aimed at thwarting criminals and counterfeiters from infiltrating markets with fake medications. The healthcare industry recognizes the necessity for strict regulations and secure technologies to ensure the provision of safe and authentic drugs to patients. In the United States, the FDA has outlined a ten-year roadmap to implement drug traceability measures. Additionally, the Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) has mandated the inclusion of multiple barcodes and human-readable data in product packaging hierarchy. Furthermore, the FDA is actively engaged in a pilot project with leading pharmaceutical manufacturers and wholesalers to explore the utilization of blockchain technology within an interoperable digital network for securing the transfer of digital traceability data among authorized trading partners.