fighting fakes, touching lives

August 23, 2010 at 8:19 am Leave a comment

A simple way to detect fake medicines is beginning to take roots in Nigeria – texting.

AP reports on the mPedigree system developed by Ghanaian entrepreneur Bright Simons – which allows consumers to text a unique code, printed on the pack, to a hotline, and confirm whether the drug is genuine or not.

With counterfeit medicines being a rampant part of the system, this free-of-charge initiative, also aims to curb the fear of taking drugs due to doubts over their authenticity.

The initiative so far limited to authenticate malarial drugs, is poised to be broadened to include all drugs, and expanded to other parts of Africa.

Health officials say the innovative system could help Africa curb the tide of fake drugs and potentially save hundreds of thousands of lives. Experts think about 700,000 people die from malaria or tuberculosis every year after taking counterfeit drugs, with some containing little more than sawdust, baby powder and water.

In addition, fake medicines speed up drug resistance. If a drug contains some but not enough of the active ingredient, it won’t kill the disease’s virus or bacteria, but gives it a chance to mutate into a deadlier form instead.