Fraunhofer Institutes Introduce SmartID to Detect Counterfeit Medicine
Düsseldorf, Germany – In the world of online pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, distinguishing genuine products from counterfeits can be challenging. To address this concern, the SmartID system introduces a counterfeit-resistant barcode mechanism, empowering individuals to verify product authenticity via a smartphone without a database connection, as reported by MedicalXpress.
SmartID is the result of a collaborative effort between Fraunhofer institutes, specifically the Institutes for Applied Polymer Research IAP, for Secure Information Technology SIT, and for Open Communication Systems FOKUS. The system’s demonstrative version will be showcased at the MEDICA 2023 event in Düsseldorf, Germany, from November 13 to 16.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately one in 10 medicines procured online are counterfeit. These counterfeit products span a wide spectrum, including lifestyle medications and critical medicines like cancer drugs and pain relievers. To combat this issue, Fraunhofer Institutes have introduced SmartID, enabling end-users to authenticate medications and other products.
Dr. Tobias Jochum, the project coordinator stationed at the Fraunhofer Center for Applied Nanotechnology CAN in Hamburg, highlighted the unique surface texture of packaging, which resembles a human fingerprint. SmartID utilizes standard smartphone cameras to capture this texture and digitize the information, transforming it into a barcode imprinted onto the packaging. The SmartID app can then verify if the information stored in the barcode aligns with the data derived from the surface texture.
The development of SmartID is focused on making the barcode smaller and more efficient in comparing surface textures. The team is exploring the use of advanced materials, such as quantum materials, to detect more details on a smaller surface.
The research team has dedicated three years to perfecting SmartID’s labeling system. Various industries, including interior design, mechanical engineering, printing, and the medical field, have shown interest in utilizing SmartID. Discussions about licensing the technology have already begun, and partnerships with companies like Evia Research GmbH demonstrate potential applications in the fashion industry, particularly for unique products with special surface textures.
“With SmartID, everyone in the supply chain can verify and authenticate a product that carries a SmartID code directly via a smartphone, offline, i.e., without having to connect to a database,” said Jochum.
The introduction of SmartID brings hope to the fight against counterfeit medicine and other fraudulent products. As the system continues to evolve and gain recognition, it has the potential to revolutionize the online pharmaceutical industry and protect consumers from harmful and ineffective counterfeit products.
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