Secure to the Max

Speaking in code

FDA regulations also now require pharmaceutical manufacturers to incorporate unit-level bar codes—especially denser, two-dimensional matrix-type bar codes—into their product packaging. These bar codes need to be accurate. Inching its way over the pharmaceutical labeling horizon is RFID technology, which is slowly emerging as one of the most effective ways to increase supply-chain efficiencies, protect the U.S. drug supply, and provide a means to track and trace products. According to Fowler, a recent FDA report encouraged all pharmaceutical drug manufacturers to undertake an RFID pilot, pending such time as the cost of RFID technology makes it a more practical solution for industrywide implementation.