New Software Helps Pharmacies Meet Drug Supply Chain Security Requirements

Pearson Medical Technologies has unveiled m:Print Bar Code Labeling Software version 4, a significant update aimed at helping pharmacies meet the stringent requirements of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA). This new release comes at a crucial time as pharmacies across the United States face a November 27, 2023 deadline to implement systems for verifying and managing prescription drug products.

The DSCSA, enacted in 2013, requires pharmacies to implement enhanced drug distribution security measures by the end of November. These measures include the ability to verify the legitimacy of drug products they receive and to identify and quarantine suspect or illegitimate products. m:Print v4 is designed to streamline this process, offering features that allow pharmacies to efficiently manage their inventory while ensuring compliance with federal regulations.

Key features of m:Print v4 include the ability to scan 2D data matrix barcodes, which are now required on prescription drug packages. The software can decode these barcodes to extract critical information such as the National Drug Code (NDC), serial number, lot number, and expiration date. This functionality is essential for pharmacies to maintain accurate records and quickly identify any potentially problematic products.

The software also introduces a new user interface that simplifies the process of creating compliant labels. Pharmacies can now easily generate labels that include all required DSCSA information, ensuring that their internal processes align with federal standards. This feature is particularly important as it helps reduce the risk of errors in labeling, which could lead to regulatory issues or patient safety concerns.

m:Print v4's enhanced reporting capabilities allow pharmacies to maintain comprehensive transaction histories for their prescription drug inventory. This is crucial for responding to FDA inquiries and conducting internal audits, both of which are important aspects of DSCSA compliance.

The introduction of this software highlights the increasing complexity of pharmaceutical supply chain management and the growing importance of technology in ensuring drug safety and authenticity. As counterfeit and diverted drugs continue to pose risks to public health, tools like m:Print v4 play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the prescription drug supply chain.

For pharmacies, particularly smaller independent operations, the implementation of DSCSA-compliant systems has been a significant challenge. The release of m:Print v4 offers a solution that could help these businesses avoid potential fines and legal issues associated with non-compliance. Moreover, it provides a means to enhance patient safety by improving the traceability of prescription drugs from manufacturer to patient.

The pharmaceutical industry as a whole stands to benefit from widespread adoption of such technologies. Improved tracking and verification capabilities can lead to more efficient recalls when necessary and help combat the distribution of counterfeit drugs. This, in turn, can increase public confidence in the safety and efficacy of prescription medications.

As the deadline for DSCSA compliance approaches, the release of m:Print v4 serves as a reminder of the ongoing evolution of healthcare technology and regulations. It underscores the need for pharmacies and other stakeholders in the pharmaceutical supply chain to remain vigilant and adaptable in the face of changing requirements designed to protect public health.