19 Sep 2023

ANTARES VISION GROUP, THROUGH RFXCEL TECHNOLOGY, BECOMES THE FIRST DSCSA COMPLIANCE SOLUTION PROVIDER TO JOIN NABP’S® INTEROPERABLE PARTNER PROGRAM

AV Group extends its commitment to DSCSA compliance by joining the NABP's Partner Program

AV Group, which has a long history of working with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy®, extends its commitment to DSCSA compliance by joining the Pulse Interoperable Partner Program

Antares Vision Group has joined National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®) Interoperable Partner Program. This new initiative aims to accelerate interoperability in the drug supply chain and provide a framework for solution providers to integrate directly with Pulse by NABP®, an inclusive, accessible, and secure digital platform that simplifies the process of achieving Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) compliance.

Nearly 10 years ago, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) established the DSCSA to ensure the safety of the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain. The law requires cooperation and interoperability among a wide range of industry stakeholders and solution providers. As the deadline approaches, these actors must continue to work together to ensure they will meet the complex requirements of the DSCSA.

How does the Interoperable Partner Program help in DSCSA compliance?

NABP® has been and will continue to be a key stakeholder in the DSCSA effort, representing the needs and interests of dispensers and distributors.

This includes Pulse by NABP®, which facilitates DSCSA compliance across the supply chain by providing additional functionality and data required to ensure seamless interoperability among participants. Antares Vision Group, through rfxcel technology, recognizes the importance NABP’s contributions and is proud to be the first solution provider to sign up for this partner program.

“We have been working with the NABP® for years and have watched their continued commitment to the DSCSA effort,” said rfxcel Senior Vice President of Product and Strategy Herb Wong. “Their involvement offers critical insight into the needs of dispensers and other industry actors and reflects the feedback that we’ve been hearing from our customers. We are excited to participate in the Interoperable Partner Program to ensure safe pharmaceuticals for patients and consumers.”

”Antares Vision Group became the first solution provider to be a Pulse Interoperable Partner, signing on within hours of the programme being announced at  NABP’s recent Interoperability Summit,” said NABP Executive Director/Secretary Lemrey “Al” Carter, PharmD, MS, RPh. “They have been an ardent supporter of Pulse and we’re delighted to continue the collaboration to secure the prescription drug supply chain and protect public health.”

Last 25 August, in a guidance document, the FDA announced that it was delaying by one year enforcement of key requirements under the DSCSA. The DSCSA delay moves the enforcement date to November 27, 2024.

The guidance is primarily for manufacturers, wholesale distributors, dispensers, and repackagers; delayed enforcement pertains to product identifiers at the package level; saleable returns; interoperable, electronic product tracing; and investigating suspect and illegitimate products.