# Pharma Authenticate App - Digital Package Inserts with Blockchain Security

> The Pharma Authenticate App enables pharmaceutical manufacturers to provide secure digital instructions for use via QR codes on medication packaging. Patients can scan the code to access tamper-proof package inserts in various languages, protected by blockchain technology from manipulation. The use case is currently in demo status at the Blockchain Reallabor in the Rhineland region.

**Sector:** Tertiary sector · **Industry:** Pharmaceutical sales and services · **Organisation:** Blockchain Reallabor · **Maturity level:** Concept

Canonical URL: https://www.sapientblock.com/en/use-cases/blockchain-reallabor-medikamente-app-echtheit-pruefen

## Documentation status

- **Project status:** Concept
- **Evidence:** Evidence medium
- **Editorial review:** Ufuk Avci, 15 April 2026

## Description

The Blockchain Reallabor Huerth developed a demo app called Pharma Authenticate, which enables the authenticity of medicines to be verified directly via smartphone. The app demonstrates how blockchain technology can directly enable consumer protection for medicines.

Since 2019, the EU Falsified Medicines Directive (Directive 2011/62/EU) requires all prescription medicines to carry a 2D data matrix code and a tamper-evident seal. Verification in the EU is carried out via the EMVS (European Medicines Verification System) — a central database. The blockchain alternative: authenticity data is stored not centrally but on a tamper-proof blockchain. The Pharma Authenticate app from the Blockchain Reallabor demonstrates this concept: the user scans the QR code or barcode on the medicine packaging; the app checks against the manufacturer’s blockchain entries; the result (genuine/unknown/suspicious) appears within seconds. Additional benefit: recall notifications can be sent directly to app users who have scanned an affected medicine. The Blockchain Reallabor is the only public research and demonstration centre for blockchain applications in NRW.

## Benefits

- Pharmaceutical companies can position themselves as innovative and patient-oriented businesses and strengthen trust in their product quality.
- Patients have access at all times to current and understandable information about their medicines in their preferred language.
- The immutable storage of package leaflet information on the blockchain protects against falsification and increases patient safety.
- Digital provision reduces printing and logistics costs and enables immediate updating of product information.
- Multilingual availability improves access to important health information for international patients.
- Employees in Regulatory Affairs can manage and update product information more efficiently without having to go through complex printing and distribution processes.

## Challenges

- Pharmaceutical companies must invest in new technology infrastructure and staff training to successfully implement the blockchain-based solution.
- Acceptance of the digital solution among patients and medical professionals must first be built up, as many are still accustomed to physical package leaflets.
- Ensuring the continuous availability of digital package leaflets requires a robust technical infrastructure.
- Employees need training in handling the new blockchain technology and the associated security protocols.

## Technology foundation

The use case employs a permissioned blockchain technology that only allows authorised pharmaceutical manufacturers to store and update package leaflet information. This technology is particularly suitable for the regulated pharmaceutical sector as it enables control over access rights while guaranteeing the immutability of stored information.

## Sources

- [Pharma Authenticate App - Blockchain Reallabor](https://blockchain-reallabor.de/portfolio-item/pharma-authenticate-app/)