# RemediChain - Blockchain-based Medication Donations

> RemediChain uses blockchain technology to transparently track unused medications and safely distribute them to those in need. The project is in an FDA-approved pilot phase testing medication transfers in North Carolina, Indiana and Tennessee. The solution combines Enterprise Ethereum with Hyperledger Besu Client to ensure complete traceability and secure donation processes.

**Sector:** Secondary sector · **Industry:** Pharmaceutical industry · **Organisation:** Good Shepherd Pharmacy, Lipscomb University, University of Memphis, Tuskegee University · **Maturity level:** Pilot

Canonical URL: https://www.sapientblock.com/en/use-cases/good-shepherd-pharmacy-medikamente-krisengebieten-verteilen

## Documentation status

- **Project status:** Pilot
- **Evidence:** Evidence high
- **Editorial review:** Ufuk Avci, 15 April 2026

## Description

RemediChain was founded in 2018 by Philip Baker PharmD — the founder of Good Shepherd Pharmacy (Memphis), a non-profit pharmacy for low-income patients. The concept: cancer patients whose treatment ends or who pass away often leave behind unopened, expensive medicines. RemediChain uses blockchain to safely and legally redistribute these to patients in need.

The challenge: legally redistributing unused prescription medicines in the USA is complex — liability issues, proof of quality, regulatory requirements. RemediChain solves this through blockchain-based legality and quality documentation: donors register unopened medicines; RemediChain records serial number, expiry date, cold chain status and donor identity on the blockchain; recipient pharmacies can verify the full history of each unit. April 2019: The FDA approved a multi-regional pilot project (DSCSA implementation study) in North Carolina, Indiana and Tennessee — launched August 2019. Consortium: Good Shepherd Pharmacy + RemediChain, Rymedi (blockchain platform), Temptime/Zebra Technologies (IoT temperature sensors), Indiana University Health, WakeMed Hospitals, Center for Supply Chain Studies, Global Health Policy Institute (UC San Diego). Outcome: RemediChain claims to have prevented $17 million in pharmaceutical waste and enabled thousands of patients to access vital medicines.

## Benefits

- Pharmacies can reduce their compliance costs while demonstrating their social commitment.
- Patients in need gain secure access to high-quality medicines through a trusted system.
- RemediChain reduces massive medicine waste through a transparent and secure redistribution system.
- The system builds trust among all parties through seamless documentation and FDA-compliant processes.
- Blockchain technology enables complete traceability from donation to end recipient.
- Pharmacists receive digital tools that simplify their daily work managing medicines.

## Challenges

- Companies must invest in new technologies and train their staff accordingly.
- Implementation requires complex integrations with existing pharmacy systems and regulatory approvals.
- Building a trusted network between donors and recipients requires time and continuous communication.
- Staff must adapt to new digital processes and learn blockchain basics.

## Technology foundation

RemediChain uses a hybrid solution of Enterprise Ethereum with Hyperledger Besu client and a Proof-of-Authority consensus mechanism. This technology enables seamless tracking of every medicine donation while controlling access to sensitive data, thereby building trust among all parties.

## Sources

- [RemediChain LLC in Blockchain Drug Transfer Pilot Closely Watched by FDA](https://www.venturenashville.com/article/1610/remedichain-llc-in-blockchain-drug-transfer-pilot-closely-watched-by-fda)
- [FDA Approves Blockchain Pilot](https://donatemymeds.org/fda-approves-blockchain-pilot/)
- [Reclaiming Medication: RemediChain](https://www.blockchainresearchinstitute.org/project/reclaiming-medication-remedichain/)
- [RemediChain Consortium Enters Global Market](https://donatemymeds.org/remedichain-consortium-enters-global-market/)