Learn how blockchain technology supports traceability to improve security and efficiency in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
Download this white paper that explains blockchain technology in pharma > > >
Blockchains are globally distributed ledgers that digitally record transactions between parties. Data blocks—data elements grouped by topic—are added to a chain that is unique and date-stamped, then encrypted to make it unalterable. Blockchain technology ensures data integrity at connection points in supply chain distribution channels.
Implement blockchain technology for data integrity, traceability, and transparency
Written by Chris Merriam-Leith, Director of Emerging Regulatory and Quality at USDM Life Sciences, Applications of Blockchain Technology Within Pharmaceutical Supply Chain and Quality Management Systems illustrates how, on its own, the pharmaceutical supply chain is unable to deter counterfeit drugs that threaten patient safety and product quality.
The white paper is a study of using blockchain technology in the pharmaceutical supply chain to address the issues of security, integrity, and chain of custody. It describes ways in which counterfeit drugs enter the supply chain and how online pharmacies and unauthorized sources contribute to the widespread availability of these drugs.
The global pharmaceutical supply chain consists of raw material suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, pharmacies, hospitals, and patients. With so many links in this chain, ineffective management systems enable counterfeit drugs to infiltrate. Blockchain technology promises enhanced data integrity, traceability, and transparency.
Learn more about blockchain as a disruptive technology—get the white paper > > >
Explore blockchain use cases for quality management systems
The technologies that make blockchain suitable for the pharmaceutical supply chain are transferable to quality management system applications. Use cases include environmental monitoring, preventing counterfeit medical devices, and managing genomic health data. For example, environmental monitoring devices are used to constantly monitor product temperatures. If proper conditions were not maintained, the product could be removed from the supply chain to protect the health and safety of consumers. Similarly, every medical device requires a unique device identification (UDI) to verify its authenticity. As devices move through the supply chain, transactions are recorded in a blockchain to provide a complete history of its provenance.
Download the white paper for details about these blockchain use cases > > >
By ensuring data integrity, traceability, and transparency, blockchain can help prevent counterfeit drugs and raw materials from entering the supply chain. Learn how blockchain technology in pharma will help the industry by improving regulatory compliance and quality management system practices—download the white paper.
