EDQM Database on Counterfeit/ Falsified Medicinal Products

On 24 March 2014, the EDQM (European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and HealthCare) launched a new database which should assist authorities in the fight against counterfeit/falsified medicinal products.

The database called "Know-X" will collect reports on counterfeit/falsified medicinal products which have been detected in the European member states.

The idea behind this new database is to provide a user-friendly tool which will assist authorities by expanding their knowledge and awareness of the issue of counterfeit/falsified medicines. This includes among other things:

• Exchange of information
• Enhanced collaboration
• Sharing of analytical information about how to test falsified medicinal products within the OMCL network.

The information contained in the database is gathered from authorities but also from customs and police. Access to this database can be requested by officials and OMCL laboratories.

To find out more please see the EDQM database.