DNA
09 February 2009
By Nilanjana Ghosh Choudhury
Pune, India

Pune–based firm develops anti–counterfeit drug scanner for Bilcare
Pune–based design firm Lokusdesign has developed a unique anti–counterfeit drug scanner that can help identify fake medicines by just swiping the blister pack on it. Developed by the Lokusdesign team in the city, the project was commissioned by pharma major Bilcare and would soon be launched in the market on a mass scale.

“Counterfeit or spurious drugs is a major concern for pharma companies today. This device helps in differentiating the fake drug packets from the original ones,” said Badve Chandrashekhar, director (strategy and marketing) Lokusdesign.

The product prototype was developed about six months ago and is currently in the testing stage, he said, adding that Bilcare would then launch it in the market.

Explaining the functionalities of the anti–counterfeit scanner, Chandrashekar said, “All that a patient or chemist has to do is swipe a blister pack through the small handheld device. The blister pack has a label containing special particles that are oriented in a unique and random pattern, and the device will recognise the pattern and identify the original and counterfeit drug instantly.”

The company has now applied for a US patent of the device to protect its Intellectual Property Rights. To be priced at about Rs200–300, the product can be used by both patients and chemists.

India is considered to be a major producer of the world’s counterfeit drugs. Counterfeit drugs form 10% of the world’s drug trade according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The other emerging counterfeit drug market is China,

“Once launched, this product can not only help in saving lives, but also save 15% to 20% loss i curred by pharma companies,” said Chadrashekhar.