# Anti-Counterfeit Drugs Vardex Laser Pill Etching By Pearl | Published 2008-07-23 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anti-counterfeit-drugs-vardex-laser-pill-etching References: [in-pharmatechnologist](http://www.in-pharmatechnologist.com/news/ng.asp?id=76227) & [vardexlaser](http://www.vardexlaser.com/) Counterfeit drugs are a serious global problem. The market for bogus pills is estimated to hit an astounding $75 billion worldwide by 2010. It's not just the pharmaceutical companies who are hurt by this but consumers could put their health and lives at risk when they ingest [fake pills](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fentanyl-test-kit). With the proliferation of online sites claiming to sell genuine pills, it has become a buyer beware situation. Vardex Laser has come up with a [security system to protect the public](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antifraud-solution). Their product uses a computer controlled laser to etch each pill with alpha-numeric or [barcode symbols](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/realtime-tracking-solution) combined with readily recognisable images or logos and other information such as dates. A hand held device can be used to scan or read the code. Their invention does it much faster than other methods - 12 million pills in 24 hours. According to the company, "It provides the highest level of security at the lowest cost of investment." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 17% | Activity: 57% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/branding) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Anti-counterfeit Drugs:** Opportunity for innovative solutions to combat the global problem of counterfeit drugs. - **Laser Pill Etching:** Disruptive innovation potential in the security system for pharmaceuticals using computer-controlled laser etching. - **Online Drug Sales:** Potential for advancements in technology to address the issue of fake pills being sold on online platforms. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Pharmaceutical Industry:** Opportunity for pharmaceutical companies to invest in advanced security measures to protect consumers from counterfeit drugs. - **Healthcare Industry:** Innovation potential to improve patient safety by implementing laser etching technology for drug identification. - **Technology Industry:** Opportunity to develop and implement advanced scanning devices for consumers to verify the authenticity of purchased drugs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [3D Medicine Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doserx1.md) - [QR-Based Product Validation Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mx-authenticity-check.md) - [Laser-Powered Coding Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/videojet-7920-uv-laser-marking-system.md) - [Portable Painkilling Drug Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drug-tracker.md) - [Glow-in-the-Dark Prescription Bottles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glowing-relief.md) - [Narcotic-Identifying Drug Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rigaku.md) - [Automated Pharmacy Medication Cutters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ezcut-automated-tablet-cutter.md) - [Private Label Pill Dispensers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vitamin-dispensing-system.md) - [Drug-Detecting Drink Strips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/greenlane.md)