Securing the pharma supply chain from counterfeits

Online expert discussion on 11 June to discuss counterfeit drugs and medical devices

270
Global incidents of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and fake drugs via Internet
Global incidents of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and fake drugs via Internet

ASPA and Messe Frankfurt India to are bringing experts to discuss ideas for securing the pharmaceutical supply chain from counterfeits at a live panel discussion on 11 June 2021.

Increasing instances of substandard, falsified and counterfeit medical products continue to pose a major challenge to the global healthcare system which is already suffering from the dire impact of Covid-19. What happens when the ray of hope – vaccines, become vulnerable to the scourge of counterfeiting?

Amid the onslaught of the second wave of Covid-19, the healthcare sector is under heavy pressure owing to the rising cases across different states. Moreover, the growing demand for medicines, protective gear and other pharmaceutical equipment has given rise to counterfeiting, tampering and diversion of these life-saving products, thus putting the health of millions at risk around the globe. This just proves how important it is for pharmaceutical companies are fully compliant with FDA regulations, and they can hire FDA regulatory consulting agencies to achieve that.

The Covid-19 vaccines are also prone to counterfeiting, putting the global pharmaceutical fraternity on red alert. To address this menace and to introduce greater authenticity in the pharmaceutical supply chain, ASPA (Authentication Solution Providers’ Association) and Messe Frankfurt India are all set to host a high-profile panel discussion on 11 June 2021.

Panelists will explain life-threatening practice of pharma counterfeiting

As a part of ‘The Authentication Forum,’ the webinar will address the theme of “Protecting lives & securing the pharmaceutical supply chain during Covid-19.” Senior leaders, regulatory officials and international experts will attend and share their perspective on the burning issue and discuss collective measures to eradicate the unethical and life-threatening practice of pharmaceutical counterfeiting. The group of panelists will include –

  • Dr Praveen Gedam, Additional CEO, National Health Authority, Government of India
  • Prashant K. Gupta, Country Head Sales, Shriram Veritech Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
  • Girish Pai, Chief Business Officer, Pharmasecure
  • S. Swaminathan, Chief Executive Officer, GS1 India
  • Rajiv Joshi, Partner, Forensic & Integrity Services, Ernst & Young LLP (Moderator)

The webinar will be supported by the authentication partners and solutions providers including Shriram Veritech, PharmaSecure and Holographic Security Marking Systems.

Elaborating on the aim to host the webinar, Raj Manek, executive director and board member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings, said, “The increasing penetration of spurious pharmaceutical products has escalated into a major issue across the world. Many countries are still dealing with the pandemic and under such [a] critical scenario it is crucial to find solutions to combat counterfeiting and introduce a new degree of authenticity in the pharmaceutical supply chain.”

Commenting further, Nakul Pasricha, president, ASPA, said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed India’s healthcare system. There are various issues which need to be addressed immediately, including eliminating sub-standard and falsified medicines from the system as well as ensuring availability of affordable and quality health services. As an association, ASPA is committed to build the authentication eco-systems in the country and these webinars are our way to contribute to fighting this menace by bringing this issue into the limelight at all Industry and government forums.”

ASPA is the only body in India representing authentication and traceability solutions providers. The association aims to educate brand owners, government authorities and consumers about the importance of fighting counterfeiting and how authentication solutions can help in this regard. In partnership with Messe Frankfurt India, ASPA is determined to take this initiative forward to foster a well-authenticated and well-secured pharmaceutical supply chain.

According to a report released by the World Health Organisation, 1 out of 10 medicines sold in low and middle-income countries, were tested as substandard and falsified. It is high time for the industry to develop a stronger framework for testing and authentication of pharmaceutical products. “We hope that uniting the industry players through ‘The Authentication Forum’ webinar will aid in deriving resolute measures to resolve the counterfeiting menace that has been ailing the industry since ages.” added Manek.

Messe Frankfurt has been actively involved in addressing the counterfeiting issues across industries including automotive, pharmaceutical and FMCG. Through conferences like Pharmasafe India, Medical Device Innovation Summit (MDIS) [now known as MedTech Innovation Forum] along with The Authentication Forum, Messe Frankfurt India aims to draw attention to the factors concerning counterfeiting of medicines and effective initiatives, regulations, and policies required to curb this menace.

The impact, resilience, and growth of responsible packaging in a wide region are daily chronicled by Packaging South Asia.

A multi-channel B2B publication and digital platform such as Packaging South Asia is always aware of the prospect of new beginnings and renewal. Its 16-year-old print monthly, based in New Delhi, India has demonstrated its commitment to progress and growth. The Indian and Asian packaging industries have shown resilience in the face of ongoing challenges over the past three years.

As we present our publishing plan for 2023, India’s real GDP growth for the financial year ending 31 March 2023 will reach 6.3%. Packaging industry growth has exceeded GDP growth even when allowing for inflation in the past three years.

The capacity for flexible film manufacturing in India increased by 33% over the past three years. With orders in place, we expect another 33% capacity addition from 2023 to 2025. Capacities in monocartons, corrugation, aseptic liquid packaging, and labels have grown similarly. The numbers are positive for most of the economies in the region – our platform increasingly reaches and influences these.

Even given the disruptions of supply chains, raw material prices, and the challenge of responsible and sustainable packaging, packaging in all its creative forms and purposes has significant headroom to grow in India and Asia. Our context and coverage engulf the entire packaging supply chain – from concept to shelf and further – to waste collection and recycling. We target brand owners, product managers, raw material suppliers, packaging designers and converters, and recyclers.

In an admittedly fragmented and textured terrain, this is the right time to plan your participation and marketing support communication – in our impactful and highly targeted business platform. Tell us what you need. Speak and write to our editorial and advertising teams! For advertisement ads1@ippgroup.in , for editorial info@ippgroup.in and for subscriptions subscription@ippgroup.in

– Naresh Khanna

Subscribe Now
unnamed 1

NEWSLETTER

Subscribe to our Newsletter

As 2023 begins and FY 23-24 unfolds, will you support us?

What lies in store for the packaging industry in India and South Asia this coming year? Inflation, disruption of supply chains or environmental regulation? Or the resumption of high rural demand, continued investment and industry consolidation? Whatever happens, Packaging South Asia will be there, providing clarity and independent technical and business information in India and South Asia and around the world. We are a compact Indian organization bringing a window of fair and rigorous technical and business information that the industry can access this year and beyond. Please support us with your advertising and subscriptions, to keep us going and growing.

Thank you.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here