Molecular Tagging of Pharmaceutical Excipients Utilizing Applied DNA’s Technology

The study carried out by a team led by Dr. Royall at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King’s College London and Dr. Altamimi from the Department of Forensic Evidence & Criminology, Dubai Police HQ, UAE, evaluated the use of DNA molecular tags as a potential anti-counterfeiting technology in tablets.

Lactose tablets were used as a model of a solid dosage form. Analysis for in-field DNA authentication was carried out using a portable Applied DNA SigNify® qPCR instrument. Tablet batches were subjected to accelerated stability conditions for 6 months with the DNA tag clearly detected in all tablets after the storage period.

All tablet batches passed the monograph specifications of the British Pharmacopoeia throughout the storage period. The study concluded that DNA molecular tags could feasibly be applied within the pharmaceutical development cycle when a new solid dosage form is brought to the market so as to mitigate the risk and dangers of counterfeiting. More on molecular tagging of excipients