EU looks to packaging measures in fake-drugs battle

Günter Verheugen told German newspaper Die Welt the Commission was “extremely concerned” about the growing quantities of counterfeit medicines that were reaching consumers.

He said he expected the EU would next year agree measures to closely trace a drug’s journey from manufacture to purchase.

“There will be anti-counterfeit markings on the packaging, including a bar code. There will also be a seal to show whether the packaging has already been opened, and by whom,” said Verheugen.

The news comes days after a report from Pira International that forecast 11% growth in the use of anti-counterfeit technologies over the next five years.

Verheugen highlighted a two-month period during which 34 million fake tablets were seized across the continent, which he said exceeded the EU’s worst fears.

Customs officials seized a range of medicines including antibiotics, anti-malarial tablets, cancer drugs and Viagra.

A year ago, European legislation on counterfeit drugs was criticised for not dealing with the repackaging of medicines.

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