We may soon have a technique to weed out fake medicines - a problem which raises its ugly head in developing countries, especially Africa, where 50% of the malaria medication is spurious.
Researchers from Lund and the UK are working on a prototype that will resemble a briefcase in which a pharmacist, customs officer or pharmaceuticals agent can place a packet of tablets, without having to open the packet. After a minute or so the device indicates whether or not the medicine is fake.
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It is not only reliable but also simple and cheap, which is a prerequisite if it is to be successfully put into use in developing countries", said Andreas Jakobsson.
The idea is the same as that behind bomb and explosives detection. Researchers have long known that it should also be possible to use this technique to trace counterfeit drugs, but it has not been sufficiently well developed for this purpose.
![GlaxoSmithKline Urges Kenya to Crackdown on Imports of Fake Medicines]( "GlaxoSmithKline Urges Kenya to Crackdown on Imports of Fake Medicines")
British pharmaceuticals giant GlaxoSmithKline, urged the Kenyan government on Monday to block imports of fake medicines, that account for a third of the country's drugs trade.
"The signals that are emitted from a chemical substance are incredibly weak! But we have succeeded in developing mathematical algorithms which allow us to capture them," said Jakobsson.
Professor Jakobsson and his Swedish colleague Erik Gudmundson are responsible for the mathematical calculations, while their colleagues at King's College London are responsible for the chemical experiments and the development of the equipment.
Source: ANI
GlaxoSmithKline Urges Kenya to Crackdown on Imports of Fake Medicines
British pharmaceuticals giant GlaxoSmithKline, urged the Kenyan government on Monday to block imports of fake medicines, that account for a third of the country's drugs trade.
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"The signals that are emitted from a chemical substance are incredibly weak! But we have succeeded in developing mathematical algorithms which allow us to capture them," said Jakobsson.
Professor Jakobsson and his Swedish colleague Erik Gudmundson are responsible for the mathematical calculations, while their colleagues at King's College London are responsible for the chemical experiments and the development of the equipment.
Source: ANI
Fake Medicines Seized in Asia, 30 Arrested in Cross Border Operations
Police have seized 20 million counterfeit or illegal medical products in cross-border operations in South East Asia, arrested 30 people and closed down more than 100 pharmacies and
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 Interpol Joins The Battle Against Fake Medicines in AfricaInternational police body Interpol is poised to tackle Africa's growing trade in fake drugs . | Advertisement
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