DNA Works for Drug Forensics, Too

02/10/2005

Applied DNA Sciences, which is developing the use of DNA as an anti-counterfeiting technology, announced that it is working with the US Department of Energy to develop an improved process for identifying its marker technology that should bring down implementation costs.

The collaboration aims to develop a new generation of DNA analysis tool—based on the widely used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology that detects and amplifies DNA. Applied DNA Sciences uses botanical DNA in inks and labels as an overt or covert marker that can be applied to items ranging from drug packaging to secure official documents, currency and textiles, providing some protection from counterfeiting and diversion. Authentication of the product is carried out by forensic DNA analysis.

The marker technology is already being used in the textiles industry, and the Chinese government recently placed an order for 500 million DNA/hologram labels for use on DVDs. But the pharmaceutical industry, which produces billions of packages each year, is a key focus for Applied DNA Sciences. The firm is also working with Holomex on DNA-enabled security holograms. (See below for more information.)

Despite the recent huge focus on RFID, Applied DNA president Peter Brocklesby believes that there is still a requirement for an on-pack system, such as a DNA/hologram marker, that can be combined with RFID antenna/label technology to provide secure packaging which also has inventory control and supply chain protection features.

The following is excerpted from a press release announcing Applied DNA Sciences’ partnership with Holomex:

Applied DNA Sciences and Holomex
Create DNA-enabled Security Holograms

Holomex, one of the world’s largest and most sophisticated manufacturers of security holograms has signed a strategic agreement with Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. to jointly develop and market DNA-secured Holograms.

The announcement was made by Daniel Lieberman, president and chief executive officer of Holomex, and Peter Brocklesby, president of Applied DNA Sciences. Holomex has produced security holograms to prevent counterfeiting for 20 years. The company has an extensive client base in the packaging, pharmaceuticals, electronics, consumer products, cosmetics, liquor, food and beverages industries, and with governments to protect currency, government checks, I.D.s, credit cards, passports and other documentation from forgery.

Applied DNA Sciences extracts and recombines botanical DNA codes to create a virtually foolproof method to prove product authenticity, detect fakes and protect supply chain integrity. The technology provides overt and covert protection for corporations, governments and consumers against counterfeiting, fraud, theft, piracy, product diversion and adulteration, identity theft and unauthorized intrusion into secure facilities and databases. The Chinese Government will use this DNA technology to place DNA-secured holographic labels on 500 million DVDs.

Lieberman said, “The fail-safe anti-counterfeiting technology of Applied DNA Sciences, combined with our state-of-the-art holograms, provides an impregnable layer of security for our customers. The new DNA-Holograms will be available by January 2005, when the two companies will jointly market the products to clients worldwide. Together, we provide levels of brand protection and safety never previously available.”

Brocklesby pointed out that, “The combination of DNA and Holography creates powerful new security technology to protect a wide range of industries. For example, the pharmaceutical industry produces billions of packages annually. Losses to the pharmaceutical industry alone, incurred as a result of product counterfeiting and adulteration, are reported to exceed 15 billion U.S. dollars annually, according to Reconnaissance International. Our new technologies detect, deter and prevent that loss and improve safety for consumers. A DNA-Hologram combined with RFID antenna/label technology will create a new generation of secure packaging which also contains inventory control and supply chain protection features.

Lieberman concluded, “The strategic combination of DNA-Hologram technologies and RFID, available from Holomex and Applied DNA Sciences in a single device opens major new opportunities for the packaging industry, increased protection for brands and greater safety for consumers. We are in active discussions with several of the largest firms in the packaging industry and our new products are receiving an extremely positive reception.”

For more information on Applied DNA Sciences, visit www.ADNAS.com.