There is a new urgency about the multi-faceted efforts to combat the rapidly expanding global trade in counterfeit medicines, particularly in the EU. But is it too little too late?
Key topics covered:
- The counterfeit drugs problem; companies most at risk; industry interest vs public health - Globalisation helping to drive the counterfeit medicines boom? The size of the counterfeit drugs problem - What has been done to tackle fake drugs? Regulators tighten controls - The European Commission's proposed remedies: subjecting all parties in the supply chain to legislation; product integrity and traceability; sharper GMP/GDP requirements; tightening inspections and supervision; improving transparency - EFPIA outlines industry's concerns - Shortfalls of the Commission's proposals - Parallel trade: entry point for fake drugs or an added layer of security? - Internet trade in counterfeits continues to concern - Steady accretion of US anti-counterfeiting measures - California's e-pedigree system: frustrations and delays - Mass serialisation; why PhRMA is sceptical; cost and technology challenges - Key players in the anti-counterfeiting drive
