SAP is releasing a blockchain-technology hub to help eliminate counterfeit products along the pharmaceutical supply chain.
The SAP Information Collaboration Hub for Life Sciences is designed to authenticate pharmaceutical packaging returned from hospitals and pharmacies to wholesalers before products are resold.
The blockchain-based solution helps customers comply with the U.S. Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), which requires that as of November 2019 wholesalers verify prescription drugs that are returned and intended for resale. The mandate is intended to protect consumers from fake, contaminated, and stolen medication.
The new software allows customers to verify the product code, lot, expiration date and a unique serial number embedded in the barcode against manufacturers’ data stored in the blockchain.
The software was developed in co-innovation with AmerisourceBergen, Boehringer Ingelheim AG & Co. KG, GlaxoSmithKline plc and Merck Sharp & Dohme, among others.
“This blockchain product supports the industry’s need for an immutable and shared ledger, avoiding many complex integrations,” said Dr. Oliver Nuernberg, chief product owner, SAP for Life Sciences solution portfolio, SAP SE. “With this product we are offering a scalable and secure solution to pharmaceutical manufacturers and U.S. wholesalers to comply with the upcoming regulatory requirements for verification.”
For more information about this solution, visit www.sap.com.