Pfizer develops RFID software to identify prescription drugs

In order to combat counterfeiting, Pfizer launched a pilot program to write RFID tags to all Viagra packaging. At the HCPC (Healthcare Packaging Association) annual seminar, Pfizer's Dan Malinowski reported that Pfizer is developing a software to help pharmacists identify the true or false of the drugs they sell.

Malinowski said: "We plan to walk in front of the standard production group. Through this program, we have a deeper understanding of the value of RFID, and experience in RFID can continue to accumulate. We make full use of the knowledge resources of RFID experts, and Wholesale and retail trading partners work together to accelerate the development of RFID standards."

Pfizer's goal is to study how to write RFID tags on the entire packaging line. Pfizer wants to code each product with an electronic product code that Pfizer will create, contact, and manage.

Single product packaging will use the 13.56 Hz logo. This logo is written in the bottle's tag. Product packaging uses extended content labels. If the marking is valid, the laser will etch the two-dimensional bar code and electronic product code onto the label. This process needs inspection. If the etching process fails, the bottle becomes a waste product. When the machine does not recognize the RFID tag, the pharmacist can use the digital typing system for identification.

Box-level packaging will use the UHF logo (915 Hz). Pfizer is trying hard to make this logo compatible with the 866 Hz software used in Europe. The logo has a 24-digit unique serial number that can be written into the box's label and printed with a straight bar code. The identification on the box is associated with the individual product identification. When the identification of the box is read, the mother-child relationship can be verified.

Pallet level packaging also uses the 915 Hz logo, and the logo on the pallet is also associated with the logo on the box.

The plan was jointly completed by five divisions of Pfizer Inc.: Manufacturing, Packaging Technology, IT, Logistics, and Trade Relations.

Source: RFID Radio Express