Ensuring product authenticity is the key mission of West Spectra, technology developed by West Pharmaceutical Services Inc., Lionville, Penn., (westpharma.com). It gives manufacturers of injectable pharmaceuticals increased protection against drug counterfeiting and tampering through the use of overt, covert, trace, and track technologies. “Used effectively, innovative packaging can differentiate company products and may enhance product security, especially as a measure against drug counterfeiting,” said Donald E. Morel Jr., company chairman and CEO. “Historically, printing warning statements, and dosing information on the aluminum shell or button of the drug package was accepted as a means of last check authentication, and heightening awareness for compliance at point of use.” The FDA now recommends overt, covert, and forensic measures for protecting and securing drug products. West Spectra combines these technologies with spectroscopic inks and radio frequency identification (RFID) into West's tamper-evident Flip-Off seals. West Spectra lets manufacturers layer and change security features on their drug packaging. High-resolution, full-color graphics allow for immediate identification and product differentiation. Covert inks provide rapid spectroscopic authentication of the drug package any place in the supply chain. Tagsys U.S.A Inc., Doylestown, Penn., (tagsys.net) provides RFID tags, associated hardware, and data integration services.