Colorcon and TruTag Technologies have announced a development agreement to enable on-dose verification technology for tablets by combining TruTag’s silica-based microtag authentication technology with Colorcon’s industry leading expertise in film coating systems, modified release technologies and specialty excipients.

The collaboration will see TruTag’s edible “optical barcodes” incorporated into existing Colorcon coatings, with the microtags verified by either a smart phone application or a proprietary reader.

Each SiO2 particle is encoded with an optical signature that is manufactured into the microtags without the use of additional additives or markers.

The benefits of this innovation include the ability to instantly and unequivocally authenticate products when suspect events occur and specifically addresses the problems of counterfeiting, product diversion, returns monitoring, quality control and product recalls in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.

“On-dose authentication technology represents the next generation in pharmaceutical supply chain security by providing a powerful tool for tracking product from plant to patient,” said Kelly Boyer, General Manager, Film Coatings of Colorcon.

“By seamlessly enabling authentication, these digitised coatings confirm the quality and origin of medicines thereby safeguarding both patients and brands. Colorcon continues to advance technologies and services to meet industry challenges with innovative solutions.”

“Colorcon brings a shared vision for bringing innovation to the pharmaceutical industry, said Michael Bartholomeusz, CEO of TruTag Technologies. “They are market leaders in the film-coating space, and they have the calibre and reach to make intelligent coatings a new industry standard. We are thrilled to be working with them.”