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Could Plant-Based DNA Tags be a Game-Changer?

Technology could help detect counterfeit meds at the ingredient level, and be used in packaging inks, but regulatory and cost issues could slow industry adoption.

“The technology could be a game changer for pharmaceuticals,” states the Jan. 12, 2016 Scientific American.com article, “Authentic Drugs Tagged with Plant DNA Could Help Snare Fake Meds. …A new high-tech tactic could help officials detect counterfeit drugs.”

The story points out SigNature® DNA, a botanical-based ink/marker introduced recently by Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (APDN). The company, which provides DNA-based supply chain, anti-counterfeiting and anti-theft technology, as well as product genotyping and product authentication offerings, developed SigNature DNA into new pharmaceutical-grade and packaging inks suitable for tablet and packaging marking.

Scientific American says, “Each unit of pharmaceutical would contain a unique genetic signature that authorities could detect with basic chemical assessments. The tactic has worked in other industries with complex supply chains such as textiles, and the DNA could be incorporated into the drugs while falling within the strict U.S. [FDA] regulations for how the DNA is safely incorporated. Now all that remains is for pharmaceutical companies to put the solution into action.”

INTRODUCING! The Latest Trends for Life Sciences at PACK EXPO Southeast
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INTRODUCING! The Latest Trends for Life Sciences at PACK EXPO Southeast