Detection of counterfeit Viagra ® with Raman spectroscopy

• Published in: Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis 2008-01, Vol.46 (2), p.303-309
• Main Authors: de Veij, Marleen, Deneckere, Annelien, Vandenabeele, Peter, de Kaste, Dries, Moens, Luc
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis; Analytical, structural and metabolic biochemistry; Biological and medical sciences; Counterfeit drug detection; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General pharmacology; Medical sciences; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Piperazines - analysis; Principal components analysis (PCA); Purines - analysis; Raman spectroscopy; Sildenafil Citrate; Spectrum Analysis, Raman - methods; Sulfones - analysis; Tablets - chemistry; Viagra
• ISSN: 0731-7085; 1873-264X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2007.10.021

During the last few years, counterfeiters have become increasingly sophisticated by falsifying drugs and making them look identical to genuine tablets. In this paper, Raman spectroscopy is proposed as a fast and reliable method for the detection of counterfeit Viagra ® tablets. This technique can easily differentiate genuine from counterfeit tablets without the need of sample preparation. In total 18 tablets were analysed which all contained the active ingredient sildenafil, but different excipients were used, as could be observed in the Raman spectra between 1150 and 700 cm −1. So, the spectra could be divided into genuine or counterfeit. Additionally, principal component analysis (PCA), combined with hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), was used to establish an automated approach for the discrimination of counterfeit from genuine Viagra ® tablets. Raman spectroscopy, combined with principal components analysis, could be used in the future by customs or in the field to identify counterfeit tablets on the spot without involvement of trained chemists.