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What is a VRS System, and What Value Does it Provide?
Under the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), US pharmaceutical trading partners are required to verify the Product Identifier (PID) of a pharmaceutical product when items are suspect or considered for saleable returns. To deploy a widely available (and highly responsive) product verification system into a disparate and decentralized ecosystem, the solution providers in the United States forged a Verification Router Service (VRS) network, an atypical cooperative and collaborative alliance among competitors.
VRS systems simplify and streamline the product authentication process, allowing trading partners, whether purchasing the goods directly or indirectly, to check and verify product-specific information with ease. Product verification requires an exact match of trade item identifier, packaging lot, product expiration date, and item-specific serial number. The product manufacturer executes the verification response, confirming the unique information assigned to a specific product carton or homogenous container.
The VRS system makes it quick and easy to confirm product legitimacy for authorized trade partners at any point in the supply chain. Additionally, when product expires or adverse events such as stolen, illegitimate or recalled product occurs, VRS can instantly notify the requestor and stop product from being further distributed.
While VRS systems are often recognized for their ability to verify saleable returns, VRS systems support a variety of additional functions that help keep supply chains safe:
● Authentication of trade partners amidst product shortages, allowing more flexibility in finding safe supplies of drugs in times of need.
● The immediate confirmation of the type, location, and quantity of product, regardless of who possesses the product at the time of inquiry.
● The easy and prompt identification of potential counterfeits in the supply chain, as demonstrated by the Arkansas Board of Pharmacy with Ozempic.
A successful VRS network requires a common PID lookup directory, and the collaboration of many different solution providers who typically rely on self-testing and self-reporting to comply with product verification requirements. Regardless, the added benefits clearly demonstrate that VRS systems make this cooperative effort worthwhile.
Given the complexities of pharmaceutical supply chains today and the risks of counterfeiting, traditional means of verification simply aren’t enough. While industry has stressed traceability, VRS systems provide an extra layer of security by allowing trade partners to instantly verify pharmaceutical authenticity.
Gateway Checker: VRS Verify™
Just as important as having a VRS System enabled is ensuring the system is appropriately configured and performing to both application standards and industry expectations. The Gateway Checker VRS Verify™ testing module independently tests systems, validating responses externally to a drug supplier’s system environment. With VRS Verify™, you and your trading partners can be confident that your system functions as intended and meets strict industry requirements.
VRS Verify™:
● Ensures the VRS system produces accurate and timely responses to verification requests
● Automatically generates and executes VRS validation test queries
● Confirms the VRS system meets user and industry requirements
● Generates documentary evidence of successful testing
Successful VRS tests are eligible to become Gateway Certified™, the only independent product VRS testing service available. Gateway Checker™ is the US Pharmaceuticals industry leading GS1 Certified Conformance Testing Service.
To learn more about VRS Verify™, and for a complimentary product verification assessment, visit this page.
Coming Up Next: “Who Needs Drug Product Verification and Why?”
