Schreiner MediPharm integrates NFC for digital authentication of autoinjectors

Although the EU Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) requires pharmaceutical manufacturers to serialize products and provide secondary product packaging with an anti-tampering device, Schreiner MediPharm noted that there is not yet a comparable requirement for primary containers and devices for self-medication, such as pens and autoinjectors. This has led it to develop the NFC label for autoinjectors, in combination with a corresponding smartphone app that unequivocally informs users if the product is still in its originally sealed condition.

Schreiner MediPharm’s Autoinjector-Label product wraps around the autoinjector – including the cap – and has an integrated NFC chip that is easily read with a smartphone app. Before opening the cap for the first time, patients can verify that the product is an original and receive respective confirmation. After opening the cap and label, and subsequently reading the NFC chip once more, patients receive a warning on their smartphones that indicates whether the product was previously opened and/or tampered with, enabling them to easily and quickly check the intactness of their injection aids from anywhere at any time. 

Schreiner MediPharm added that pharmaceutical manufacturers can integrate additional interactive applications in the label such as product information, demo videos or special apps to optimally support patients during self-medication. Additionally, integrated geo-tracking makes it possible to detect potential gray market activities in local markets. The digital Autoinjector-Label for NFC-based tamper evidence can easily be adapted to existing label designs and does not affect the normal application of the device by the patient.

Schreiner MediPharm will present this new product in October at PDA Universe of Pre-filled Syringes in Orlando and at Healthcare Packaging Expo in Chicago, also in October.