MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill. – The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) announced thid week that regulators in over 20 states, including Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) field offices, have begun using the Pulse by NABP Product Verification Service (PVS) to identify potential illegitimate products in the pharmacy supply chain.
Pulse PVS enables authorized trading partners and regulators to conduct product verification requests under the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA). When a product is scanned, the user receives a near-real-time response from the manufacturer or repackager that denotes whether the product identifier is verified or not verified, or if there is an error that requires additional analysis.
"Pulse by NABP is an inclusive, accessible, and secure digital platform that can significantly improve the safety and transparency of the drug supply chain in the United States by connecting regulators and members of the supply chain. The success of Pulse PVS in helping regulators identify illegitimate products speaks to the power of this platform. We look forward to equipping regulators and all members of the supply chain with the critical tools they need to protect our nation's patients from illegitimate medications," said NABP Executive Director/Secretary Lemrey "Al" Carter.
The value of product verification was proven almost immediately after it was made available to regulators. In January 2025, the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy verified a suspect Ozempic product by using Pulse PVS. An inspector from the Arkansas Board used the Pulse tool on his mobile phone to confirm the illegitimacy of the suspect Ozempic product quarantined at an Arkansas pharmacy. Utilizing the response from the product verification as part of the submitted evidence, the Arkansas Board launched an investigation of the seller, held an emergency hearing, and suspended the seller's license, which was being used outside of its scope.
Pulse PVS provides access to the industry-developed Verification Router Service (VRS) network. The VRS network is governed and maintained by Healthcare Distribution Alliance's VRS Provider Network.
Visit www.pulse.pharmacy to learn how NABP is simplifying DSCSA compliance and protecting patients.
