XStream Systems Presents Quad Layer of Protection against Counterfeit Drugs

With an invitation from Pfizer Inc.. and Dr. Mohammed Abuelkhair, Head, Pharma/Medicine and Medical Products Regulation Section – Health Authority Abu Dhabi, XStream Systems had the opportunity to present at the joint Regional Conference on Fighting Counterfeit Medicines in Dubai December 15 and 16, 2009.

Representing XStream Systems were Brian Mayo, President and CTO, Patricia Earl, Vice President Business Development and Simon Irish, XStream Systems’ Director.

XStream Systems representatives had an opportunity to interact with officials from the Ministries of Health, Police, and Customs representing governments of the Middle East and North Africa region.

On the second day of the conference XStream Systems’ President formally presented the company’s vision of the “Quad-Layer Approach” that integrates molecular screening, serialization, sealants and pedigree. He shared with the attendees that this was an all-encompassing system that will deliver a seamless method of counterfeit control and product integrity assurance, and, in this regard discussed XStream Systems’ on-going collaboration with the Kodak Security Solutions and use of the Traceless System for Anti-Counterfeiting.

To view entire article visit: www.xstreamsystems.net.

The National: Tighter Controls on Fake Drugs Sought

The Regional Conference on Fighting Counterfeit Medicines recently held in Dubai, examined the issue and solutions to fighting counterfeit medications. The conference, sponsored by Pfizer, attracted representatives from 15 countries.

XStream Systems President and Chief Technology Officer, Brian Mayo presented XStream’s revolutionary material screening technology at the conference.

Reported by Mitya Underwood and published by The National the following are some excerpts from the article:

• The UAE must tighten its border controls and increase co-operation between enforcement agencies if it hopes to turn back the rising tide of counterfeit drugs, officials said yesterday.


• The Ministry of Health said it would work with customs and free zone officials to stop fake medicines and medical equipment from entering the country or passing through its ports.


• Dr Amin al Amiri, the chief executive of medical practices and licensing, said the ministry would ask customs officials to stop clearance for medicines and equipment until it had approval for each consignment.


• Speaking at the Regional Conference on Fighting Counterfeit Medicines, Dr al Amari said the ministry hoped to reduce the UAE’s role in the global trafficking of illegal products. He declined to say how much counterfeit material was coming into or passing through the country.


• Figures from the European Commission’s Taxation and Customs Union recently showed that the UAE was the origin of almost nine per cent of all counterfeit medicines seized at European borders in 2008. The UAE was the third largest importer after India and Syria.


• Dr al Amiri said in addition to increased inspections and raids, a federal pharmaceutical law would be introduced to tighten penalties and introduce jail terms and larger fines.


• Dr Mohammed Abuelkhair, the head of drugs and medical products registration at the Health Authority-Abu Dhabi, said the law should deter pharmacies from knowingly stocking counterfeit drugs and stop importers from targeting the UAE market.

To read the entire article, visit: http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091216/NATIONAL/712159821/1010