Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (Applied DNA) and ACG have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will allow ACG to utilize Applied DNA’s proven SigNature molecular tagging and authentication technologies to develop molecularly-tagged empty hard-shell capsules for offering to ACG’s customers to enhance product traceability and authentication. The MoU is expected to be followed by a definitive agreement.
The empty capsules market witnessed healthy growth during the last decade and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% between 2016 and 2021 to reach USD 2.13 billion by 2021.
The development of molecularly-tagged empty hard-shell capsules will allow ACG’s customers to enhance every distribution channel’s integrity. It will also provide pharmaceutical companies with increased and assured capabilities when investigating suspected counterfeit medicines and help enhance patient and regulator confidence in pharmaceutical companies and their supply chains.
On the association between ACG and Applied DNA, Selwyn Noronha, CEO, ACG Capsules said, “With the increasing threat of counterfeits in the pharmaceutical supply chain and regulations mandating companies to deploy strategies such as serialization and to have greater awareness, there is a need for innovative and effective solutions for product authentication, track and trace and supply chain integrity. We strongly believe that our association with Applied DNA is a step towards nipping the counterfeiting problem that is grappling the industry today. With the introduction of stricter regulatory norms and measures across the globe, the pressure lies increasingly in improving existing supply chain safeguards. The association will equip pharmaceutical companies with greater capabilities to thwart the threat of counterfeits by providing amplified traceability solution across the supply chain.”
Elaborating on the association, Dr. James Hayward, president and CEO of Applied DNA said “We are proud to announce the signing of the MoU and are excited by ACG’s development of on-dose authentication for hard-shell capsules powered by the Company’s SigNature molecular tagging and authentication technologies. The ability to forensically test a capsule in the field and quickly prove its provenance is a powerful tool for all nodes of the pharmaceutical supply chain and will ensure a more secure and traceable global pharmaceutical supply chain.”
Applied DNA is a provider of molecular technologies that enable supply chain security, anti-counterfeiting and anti-theft technology, product genotyping and DNA mass production for diagnostics and therapeutics.
SigNature DNA describes the core technology ingredient that is at the heart of a family of uncopyable, security and authentication solutions such as SigNatureT and fiberTyping, targeted towards textiles and apparel, BackTrac, DNAnet and SmartDNA for anti-theft and loss prevention, and digitalDNA, providing powerful track-and-trace. All provide a forensic chain of evidence, and can be used to prosecute perpetrators. Applied DNA Sciences is also engaged in the large-scale production of specific DNA sequences using the polymerase chain reaction.