Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals and Supply Chain Diversions Are Escalating Global Health Threats

Traditional reactive measures often fall short in protecting consumers. However, advancements in smart label technology — such as NFC-enabled connected packaging — offer a more proactive and secure path forward. Solutions like ForgeStop’s InfoTAP allow pharmaceutical brands to ensure product authenticity, enhance traceability, and deliver real-time safety information directly to consumers.

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The Growing Threat of Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals  

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 10% of medicines worldwide are estimated to be counterfeit or substandard¹. These fake drugs can cause treatment failures, increase antibiotic resistance, and even result in death.

In the United States, this problem is becoming more urgent. In 2023, the FDA issued a warning regarding counterfeit Ozempic (semaglutide) injections entering the market². Fake products were found carrying cloned serial numbers and fake packaging, posing serious risks to patients.

Meanwhile, counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine are flooding the market. The U.S. DEA reported³ seizing over 80 million fentanyl-laced fake pills in 2023, a sobering indicator of just how dangerous this black market has become.

Limitations of Reactive Measures  

Despite these risks, most pharmaceutical safety protocols remain reactive in nature — issuing alerts, recalling batches, or urging consumers to manually verify packaging details like batch numbers or packaging anomalies.

However, these measures suffer key limitations:

• Delayed Response: Action only occurs after counterfeits have reached the market. and potentially reached consumers.
• Consumer Burden: Expecting consumers to verify batch numbers, spot packaging discrepancies and details is unreliable.
• Limited Reach: Not all consumers receive or heed these alerts, leaving many vulnerable to counterfeit products.

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ForgeStop's InfoTAP: A Proactive Smart Label Solution  

ForgeStop’s InfoTAP secure NFC-based smart labels  technology offers a proactive approach to combating counterfeit pharmaceuticals and supply chain diversion.

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Instant Authentication  

With a single tap of a smartphone — no app required — consumers can verify a product's authenticity instantly. ForgeStop provides immediate confirmation of product legitimacy, empowering consumers to make informed decisions before purchase or use.

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Supply Chain Transparency  

InfoTAP enables real-time tracking of products throughout the supply chain.This transparency helps identify and prevent diversion or gray market activities, ensuring products reach their intended destinations without unauthorized interference.

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Dynamic Consumer Engagement  

Beyond authentication, InfoTAP facilitates dynamic interactions with consumers:

• Recall Alerts: Instant notifications about product recalls
• Safety Information: Access to up-to-date safety guidelines and usage instructions.
• Educational Content: Providing information about the product's origin, manufacturing process, and and compliance

By shifting communication to the point-of-use, InfoTAP helps brands stay connected while prioritizing user safety.

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Advantages Over Traditional Methods  

Compared to reactive measures, ForgeStop's InfoTAP offers several advantages:

• Proactive Protection: Authenticity is verified before the product is used, preventing potential harm.
• User-Friendly: The tap-and-verify process is simple and requires no additional apps or tools.
• Comprehensive Data: Real-time data collection aids in monitoring product distribution and detecting anomalies.

Learn how similar solutions are already protecting the alcohol sector in our article on ForgeStop Alcohol Authentication.

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Conclusion  : Smarter Packaging for a Safer Industry

The fight against counterfeit pharmaceuticals and supply chain diversion requires a shift from reactive to proactive strategies. Smart label authentication technologies like InfoTAP empowers consumers and manufacturers alike, ensuring product authenticity, enhancing supply chain transparency, and fostering trust through dynamic engagement.

Move from risk to resilience — it all starts with a tap.Protect your brand and your consumers with ForgeStop. Contact Us.

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‍Visit ForgeStop at CPHI North America 2025

ForgeStop will be showcasing this technology live at CPHI North America 2025—the premier event for pharmaceutical innovation and manufacturing. Stop by our booth to see a live demo or contact our team today to schedule a consultation and explore how ForgeStop can future-proof your product authentication strategy.

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¹ World Health Organization. 1 in 10 medical products in developing countries is substandard or falsified

² FDA Safety Alert, Counterfeit Ozempic Pen Safety Warning

³ DEA Report on Fentanyl-Laced Counterfeit Pills in 2023, DEA, One Pill Can Kill Campaign