HP has launched a cloud-based track-and-trace solution that allows pharmaceutical companies to monitor the movement of products through their global supply chains with a much higher degree of accuracy.

The solution, called the HP Global Authentication Service, was based on technology that has been used to fight the global problem of counterfeit and stolen drugs.

The service is initially being rolled out in India, where the pharmaceutical industry is experiencing phenomenal growth and at the same time also  seeing a parallel growth in the counterfeit drug market. 

HP said the service's underlying technology engine was originally developed by HP Labs – the company's central research arm – and the HP Software Professional Services Cloud Services Innovation Center to monitor goods in HP's supply chain. It was later adapted for use in product recalls in the food industry.

The solution was most recently adapted and deployed in collaboration with the African non-profit social enterprise mPedigree to track, trace and authenticate a range of life-saving medications in Nigeria and Ghana, with a rollout planned for more countries later this year.

"HP technology is not only providing commercial benefits to our clients, but also is helping to save lives," said Prith Banerjee, senior vice president, Research, and director, HP Labs. "The success to date with mPedigree and subsequent commercialization of our Global Authentication Service highlights how valuable social innovation initiatives can be in helping bring innovative service offerings to the market."

The service can be deployed in other industry sectors, offered in any geographical region and incorporated into an existing drug production system.