Researchers at the University of Copenhagen in collaboration with Stanford University have developed a technique to trace the origin of medicines using their unique chemical fingerprints. By analyzing stable isotopes of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, scientists can identify where a medicine was produced, even pinpointing the specific factory. This breakthrough could help authorities combat the growing problem of counterfeit and stolen medicines in the EU, where 426,016 packages of illegal drugs were seized in 2024. The study, which focused on ibuprofen, shows the method could apply to all types of medicines. Researchers say the technology is relatively easy to implement and could provide definitive proof in pharmaceutical crime cases.
Source: University of Copenhagen
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