Hologram and Microtext Drug Labels Deter Counterfeits

A recent Huffington Post article, focused on smart packaging in the pharmaceutical industry, highlighted steps drug companies are taking to protect both patients and their reputations. The commercialization of expensive and sophisticated biotechnology-based drugs is expected to give the pharmaceutical market above-average growth with regard to smart packaging. The International Trade Administration estimates the global counterfeit drug market to be as high as $200 billion, with an estimated 36,000 rogue Internet pharmacies.

The article notes two specific defenses against counterfeits in the form of smart packaging: holograms and microtext. Holograms have become one of the most prevalent methods as they’re difficult to copy and can be produced in the form of labels, seals, hot-stamped patches, and blister pack foils. Microtext is text that is invisible to the naked eye, but can be seen with the aid of a magnification device. The pharmaceutical packaging industry, led by North America and Europe, was valued at $56.9 billion in 2013, but is expected to reach $83 billion by 2020.