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Tracing medicines through supply chains

Medicine supply chains can involve manufacturers, distributors, pharmacies, and health authorities, with records maintained across separate systems. An application using Ethereum could connect selected information about a medicine’s origin and transfers in a shared record, supporting traceability across the supply chain.

One possible approach

In this example, organizations use a supply-chain application that connects to Ethereum. Each medicine is linked to a common product identifier, and selected information about its movement is recorded against that identifier.

  1. Register the product

    The manufacturer assigns the medicine a product identifier and records its origin through the supply-chain application. The application creates an entry on Ethereum that subsequent transfers can reference.

  2. Record each transfer

    When the medicine moves from one organization to another, the sending and receiving organizations confirm the transfer through the application. The application records the transfer on Ethereum and links it to the product’s existing record.

  3. Review the record

    Before dispensing, a pharmacy can use the product identifier to review the recorded origin and transfers. Missing or inconsistent entries can be identified for further review.

  4. Investigate discrepancies

    If records do not match, the relevant supplier or health authority can review the supporting documentation and investigate the discrepancy. Any correction can be added as a new linked entry, preserving the earlier record rather than overwriting it.

What Ethereum enables

Ethereum can connect records of a medicine’s transfers across different organizations into a shared, chronological history linked to the same product identifier. This can help manufacturers, distributors, pharmacies, and health authorities trace the recorded chain of custody and identify where information is missing or inconsistent.

Because earlier entries remain visible when corrections are made, the record can also provide a clearer basis for audits, investigations, and recalls.