University of Brighton Develops Handheld Sensor to Detect counterfeit medicines
Aug 20, 2025


Source: Chemist + Druggist
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Researchers at the University of Brighton have developed a new handheld device, the FakeMedSensor, to quickly, accurately, and affordably detect counterfeit medicines. The device uses electrochemical sensing to measure the presence and quantity of active pharmaceutical ingredients without requiring complex laboratory processes. While currently in pilot testing, laboratory trials have shown promising results, and the team aims to bring the device to market within the next year. The development comes amid rising concerns over falsified and substandard medications, particularly for high-demand drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.
Key highlights
How the FakeMedSensor works
Handheld electrochemical sensor designed for rapid, on-site verification of medicines.
Detects active pharmaceutical ingredients without complex processing.
Provides real-time results, making drug verification faster and more reliable.
Development and testing
Prototype currently in pilot phase with strong laboratory trial results.
Next stage involves broader testing and refinement to meet regulatory and industry standards.
Commercial availability expected within the next year.
Global health impact
Aimed at preventing consumption of falsified and substandard drugs, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
Can be used across the supply chain, from production to point-of-sale, for wide-scale surveillance.
Addresses the growing challenge of counterfeit weight loss, diabetes, and other high-demand medications.
Context and regulatory concern
UK Department of Health recently warned against fake weight loss medications following hospitalisations.
Cybersecurity investigations exposed a network of over 5,000 online pharmacies selling counterfeit or contaminated drugs.
Regulatory authorities in Northern Ireland and the UK are expanding oversight of private prescribing and counterfeit detection.
The FakeMedSensor represents a major step forward in practical solutions for combating counterfeit medicines worldwide. By enabling rapid, low-cost, and reliable detection of substandard or falsified drugs, the device could protect patients, pharmacists, and healthcare providers from serious risks, particularly in vulnerable populations and high-demand medication markets.
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Copyright © 2024 Pharmacy Pro. All rights reserved
Copyright © 2024 Pharmacy Pro. All rights reserved
Copyright © 2024 Pharmacy Pro. All rights reserved

Source: Chemist + Druggist
Researchers at the University of Brighton have developed a new handheld device, the FakeMedSensor, to quickly, accurately, and affordably detect counterfeit medicines. The device uses electrochemical sensing to measure the presence and quantity of active pharmaceutical ingredients without requiring complex laboratory processes. While currently in pilot testing, laboratory trials have shown promising results, and the team aims to bring the device to market within the next year. The development comes amid rising concerns over falsified and substandard medications, particularly for high-demand drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.
Key highlights
How the FakeMedSensor works
Handheld electrochemical sensor designed for rapid, on-site verification of medicines.
Detects active pharmaceutical ingredients without complex processing.
Provides real-time results, making drug verification faster and more reliable.
Development and testing
Prototype currently in pilot phase with strong laboratory trial results.
Next stage involves broader testing and refinement to meet regulatory and industry standards.
Commercial availability expected within the next year.
Global health impact
Aimed at preventing consumption of falsified and substandard drugs, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
Can be used across the supply chain, from production to point-of-sale, for wide-scale surveillance.
Addresses the growing challenge of counterfeit weight loss, diabetes, and other high-demand medications.
Context and regulatory concern
UK Department of Health recently warned against fake weight loss medications following hospitalisations.
Cybersecurity investigations exposed a network of over 5,000 online pharmacies selling counterfeit or contaminated drugs.
Regulatory authorities in Northern Ireland and the UK are expanding oversight of private prescribing and counterfeit detection.
The FakeMedSensor represents a major step forward in practical solutions for combating counterfeit medicines worldwide. By enabling rapid, low-cost, and reliable detection of substandard or falsified drugs, the device could protect patients, pharmacists, and healthcare providers from serious risks, particularly in vulnerable populations and high-demand medication markets.
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Copyright © 2024 Pharmacy Pro. All rights reserved
Copyright © 2024 Pharmacy Pro. All rights reserved