Pfizer Uses TAGSYS RFID Technology to Combat Viagra Counterfeiting and Protect Patients

TAGSYS used to integrate end-to-end RFID infrastructure and supply item-level tags and readers.

Doylestown, PA (PRWEB) January 11, 2006 -- TAGSYS, the global leader in item-level RFID infrastructure, today announced that it was chosen by Pfizer to assist in designing and integrating an end-to-end RFID production infrastructure that includes item-level and case and pallet RFID, using TAGSYS’ P3: e-Xecute RFID methodology, and to provide Reliable, Accurate and Secure (R.A.S.) High-Frequency (HF) 13.56 MHz RFID readers and Flexible Module tags. Pfizer will use HF RFID to authenticate all Viagra sold in the United States in an effort to protect the pharmaceutical supply chain, and ultimately consumers, from counterfeit and black marketed drugs.

Following feasibility studies conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) around RFID, the agency released guidelines and recommendations for the use of the technology to ensure the long-term safety and integrity of the U.S. drug supply. In line with this guidance from the FDA, Pfizer has been at the forefront of evaluating the usage of RFID on product packaging to track, trace and authenticate products as they move through the value chain distribution system. The Viagra packaging project marks the first time that Pfizer will be deploying RFID at an item level.

One of the key considerations in the deployment of RFID by Pfizer is the ability to produce fast, reliable, accurate and secure readings with a very low failure rate. Through a proven quality and unique systems approach, TAGSYS’ robust and versatile RFID solutions were chosen because of its ability to meet the stringent demands of the industry for accuracy, speed and interoperability. The TAGSYS HF RFID readers used by Pfizer can read up to 400 tags in a dense pack setting, even around liquids and metal surfaces, in a matter of seconds, with an industry leading accuracy rate of over 99.9%.

“The Viagra project is a major milestone for item-level RFID in the pharmaceutical industry and can be viewed as a significant precursor to establishing the long anticipated e-Pedigree,” said Elie Simon, CEO of TAGSYS. “By tagging individual bottles of Viagra, Pfizer is taking some very positive steps to further secure the pharmaceutical supply chain. With the integration of TAGSYS’ RFID hardware into Pfizer’s production line, TAGSYS will be supplying proven item-level RFID solutions, including HF tags and readers, that offer highly accurate and reliable read rates that are well suited for use in the pharmaceutical sector.”

Since its inception in 1996, TAGSYS has focused on the development of HF RFID technology and creating specific solutions for vertical markets that are ready to reap the benefits of item-level RFID. The company offers end-to-end item-level RFID solutions (providing chips, tags, antennas, readers, software, and integration).

About TAGSYS
TAGSYS is the global leader in item-level RFID infrastructure. TAGSYS RFID provides RFID systems and tags for end-to-end item-level tracking that automates labor-intensive processes, authenticates and safeguards goods, and enables real-time inventory and asset visibility. With a proven track record of delivering Reliable, Accurate and Secure (R.A.S.) RFID systems and tags, TAGSYS has deployed over 50 million tags and 50,000 reader systems to over 500 customers in more than 40 countries. TAGSYS RFID solutions are currently being deployed in a range of highly specialized vertical markets that include pharmaceutical, fashion apparel, libraries, and textile rental. The company is headquartered in France’s Smart Valley with offices in the USA (Doylestown, Pennsylvania) and Asia (Hong Kong). More information on TAGSYS can be found at http://www.tagsysrfid.com.

TAGSYS Media Contacts:

Global Communications    
Ken Reich
Phone: +1 215 962 7780

Europe
Angeline Fraud
Phone: +33 (0) 6 88 16 85 70

Bite Communications for US Media    
Michael Chin
Phone: +1 212 857 9379

Ballou PR for European Media
Martha de Monclin
Phone: +33 (0) 1 34 74 54 62

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Contact Information 
Michael Chin
TAGSYS
http://www.tagsysrfid.com
1-212-857-9379