Schreiner MediPharm, a provider of specialty pharmaceutical labeling solutions for 60 years, has developed a new label with integrated covert inscriptions, designed to help eliminate the illegal practice of empty vials being refilled with fake drugs and resold.The new Pharma-Comb Void label prevents the reuse of authentic packaging components by counterfeiters and thus increases the product safety of medications while protecting patients against the administration of ineffective or harmful counterfeit drugs.

Used vials bearing conventional labels, even when they are equipped with overt security features like holograms or color-shifting inks, can be filled a second time and sold as originals without this being detectable. To counteract the practice of refilling previously used vials, Schreiner developed a solution consisting of a multi-part product label with integrated security features. The Pharma-Comb Void label is functionally destroyed during its initial use. When the label’s tear strip – which also runs around the closure cap – is removed, the inscriptions “Opened” and “Used” appear in the film’s two indicator fields. This makes the undetected reuse of a glass container with an original label virtually impossible.

The label also offers a valuable added benefit for healthcare personnel: When the label is opened, a detachable part is released that serves to mark the syringe accordingly.

“The Pharma-Comb Void label provides brand security for drug manufacturers and, more important, an increased level of safety for patients,” says Gene Dul, president of Schreiner MediPharm US. “We hope this product helps sharply decrease the dangerous and illegal practice of drug counterfeiting.”

Schreiner MediPharm, a business unit of Schreiner Group, is based in Oberschleissheim, Germany. Its US facility is located in Blauvelt, NY.