We all know that counterfeit drugs are a problem. But, it's no longer just federal and international agencies battling the issue.
Researchers are jumping into the ring, too. The latest being a biomedical engineer at Boston University.
Muhammad Zaman has designed a suitcase-type device, about the size of a carry-on bag, that can detect fake drugs.
PharmaChk, according to NPR, can be used to test pills, powders or solutions.
"The idea here is very simply," NPR reported him explaining at a recent conference. "It's a method to measure the potency of the drug. Anybody can get trained in 15 minutes."
NPR described the device like this: "The outside shell of PharmaChk is hard plastic. Inside are wires, chips and tiny channels that shuttle liquid around. In essence, the device measures the concentration of a drug's active ingredient and how fast it dissolves."
Researchers see the device being used specifically in remote areas, with developing medical resources.
