PR: The Netherlands implements National Verification System with Arvato Systems

Counterfeit medication is on the increase around the world – placing patients, insurance systems and the pharmaceutical industry at risk. Directive 2011/62/EU is the start of the EU initiative against counterfeit medications. From February 9, 2019 prescription drugs may only be sold in Europe if each package has a unique identifier.

A data matrix code is added to the packaging of the medication. As well as the serial number, the data matrix code contains the product code, information about the product batch and the expiry date. Each package of medication is therefore unique. Verification of the authenticity of medication is through the individual identification code meaning that items are authenticated throughout the entire delivery chain.

The Dutch Medicines Verification Organization (NMVO) was founded in August 2016 by pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and pharmacies in the Netherlands. The organisation supports the introduction of the new European system and is responsible for building and operating the Netherlands Medicines Verification System.

As official Blueprint Provider for the European Medicines Verification Organization (EMVO), Arvato Systems will build and operate the Netherlands National Verification System.

“Arvato Systems offers us a software solution which will enable a timely implementation of all aspects of the EU anti-counterfeiting directives, also in respect to comply with the high security requirements,“ comments Erwin van Malland, Dutch NMVO Project Manager on the future co-operation with Arvato Systems. “Deadlines are tight, and so it is all the more important that we will be able to benefit from the longstanding and comprehensive experience that Arvato Systems has in this area.”

Since January 2013, Arvato Systems has offered a national IT solution for protection against counterfeit medicines. This system keeps and manages all the packaging data of medicines that are required by the legislation and were provided by the industry to offer the verification of medications before they are delivered to the patient. This procedure ensures that all the medicines are valid throughout the entire supply- and delivery chain.