Pharma Companies Support Use of Blockchain for Drug Tracking

A blockchain-based drug tracking network is capable of meeting future supply chain regulatory requirements, according to pharma companies that took part in a pilot program run by the FDA.

The pilot, which involved 25 companies including AmerisourceBergen, Amgen, Cardinal Health, Pfizer and Sanofi, was put together to find out if blockchain technology can help industry comply with the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) — which requires the creation of an “electronic interoperable system” by 2023 to track prescription drugs in U.S. distribution.

The companies explored the use of the MediLedger project, a network that uses blockchain to keep tabs on all drug product transactions while maintaining privacy. They found that the technology could meet the new DSCSA requirement for tracing products to the package level.

The participants said the agency could significantly support efforts to meet DSCSA requirements by 2023 by shedding more light on the agency’s expectations as soon as possible.