University of Brighton Develops Handheld Sensor to Detect counterfeit medicines

Aug 20, 2025

FakeMedSensor, Counterfeit medicine detection, Pharmacy technology innovation, Pharma supply chain safety, Global drug safety technology
FakeMedSensor, Counterfeit medicine detection, Pharmacy technology innovation, Pharma supply chain safety, Global drug safety technology

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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.

FakeMedSensor
Counterfeit medicine detection
Pharmacy technology innovation
Pharma supply chain safety
Global drug safety technology
FakeMedSensor
Counterfeit medicine detection
Pharmacy technology innovation
Pharma supply chain safety
Global drug safety technology

University of Brighton Develops Handheld Sensor to Detect counterfeit medicines

Aug 20, 2025

FakeMedSensor, Counterfeit medicine detection, Pharmacy technology innovation, Pharma supply chain safety, Global drug safety technology

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.

Share:

FakeMedSensor
Counterfeit medicine detection
Pharmacy technology innovation
Pharma supply chain safety
Global drug safety technology
FakeMedSensor
Counterfeit medicine detection
Pharmacy technology innovation
Pharma supply chain safety
Global drug safety technology