The Challenge

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Counterfeit medicinal products are a threat to the health and safety of patients around the world. They range from drugs with no active ingredients to those with dangerous impurities. They can be copies of branded drugs, generic drugs or over-the-counter drugs.

Counterfeiting groups thrive in countries where the anti-counterfeiting laws are weak, the drug regulatory agencies are underfunded and under staffed, and legal sanctions are ineffective.

In assessing these illegal operations, it became clear that the counterfeiters often copied pharmaceutical products of many manufacturers and there was a need to improve information sharing.

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Meeting the Challenge

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In 2002, the Security Directors from fourteen major pharmaceutical companies established the PSI in Washington, D.C. Working with its members, the PSI developed improved systems to identify the extent of the problem and to assist in coordinating international inquiries.

Today, PSI membership includes over forty pharmaceutical manufacturers from many nations. The PSI established representational offices with staff in Singapore and Dublin, Ireland.

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Membership

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Only major international pharmaceutical manufacturers are eligible for membership in the PSI. Member candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission of the PSI either through tangible actions and/or stated intent. Candidates are only admitted through a vote by the current PSI membership.