Sproxil Wins Patents for Humanity Award from
U.S. Department of Commerce
Program Recognizes Innovative Companies Leading the Way to Solve
Global Health and Standard of Living Challenges
Cambridge, MA (April 11, 2013) – Sproxil, a leading provider of world-class brand protection for emerging markets, has been named a recipient of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s ‘Patents for Humanity’ Award during a ceremony on Capitol Hill today. Launched in 2012 by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Patents for Humanity is a competition recognizing patent owners and licensees who address global challenges in health and standards of living.
Sproxil is recognized for its Mobile Product Authentication™ (MPATM) solution that allows consumers to verify products are genuine by using a mobile phone and a free (SMS) text message. While the solution can be used for any tangible product, MPA solution’s first application is addressing the need to combat counterfeit medication.
Upon purchasing medication, consumers scratch a label revealing a one-time use code, then text the code to a secure number provided on the package. As part of the MPA technology, the text message is processed to determine the drug’s genuineness. Within seconds, the end user is notified, via text, of the result. Alternatively, consumers can call a consumer support desk to get results in their local language.
The solution is deployed in developing regions of Africa and Asia; it is offered in Nigeria, India, Kenya (serving East Africa), and Ghana (serving West Africa).
As of March 2013, Sproxil has processed over 3.8million verifications from consumers in multiple markets. Sproxil has won awards from the Clinton Global Initiative and IEEE, amongst others. Most recently, the company was ranked #1 in health care and #7 overall in Fast Company® Magazine’s World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies.
