Serialisation, unique product identification (UPI), aggregation and Track ‘n Trace are some keywords describing various means and measures to prevent counterfeiting of pharmaceuticals.

Around 10% of all pharmaceuticals worldwide are suspected to be counterfeit. This may have led to the death of up to 70,000 patients using tuberculosis (TB) and malaria remedies alone.

In close cooperation with its business partners, LTS has set out to support the responsible authorities in their strife against counterfeiting pharmaceuticals. Already in 2015, LTS extended the capabilities of its Andernach/Germany plant operations to product aggregation.

In Q4 2016, LTS also established identical capabilities in its West Caldwell/NJ operations in the US. This was operational well before the obligation of the US authorities.

Serialisation defines the marking of individual sales units with a serial number, which is lodged in a database and can be verified at any time. When a distinct code is added on the outer packaging, it is called aggregation. These measures enable the tracking of the individual sales unit over the entire supply chain from LTS to the consumer.

In realising this process, LTS acts globally and patient and future-oriented. The current implementation of both serialisation and aggregation at LTS offers a flexible system to its customers, whether for the US, European, Chinese or Korean markets.

LTS also supports the global battle against counterfeit pharmaceuticals for increased safety by supporting the regular knowledge exchange on the topic of serialisation with its customers, suppliers in the pharmaceutical industry. LTS commits to its responsibility in leading the end-to-end monitoring to assure drug safety.