Feb 28, 2006. /Lesprom Network/. Stora Enso and Orion are introducing a series of pharmaceuticals packages equipped with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags to pharmacies. Stora Enso’s PackAgent software is used to authenticate the products throughout the supply chain. The pharmaceuticals produced by Orion Pharma and distributed by the wholesaler Oriola are sold in selected pharmacies in Finland and Estonia. "We are using item-level identification and the tags are read at every stage of the supply chain. Our PackAgent software verifies the item ID and uses it for product authentication," says Kirsi Viskari, manager of intelligent solutions at Stora Enso. The pharmaceutical company Orion Pharma is participating in this trial in anticipation of future requirements. If traceability becomes mandatory in the United States, for example, Orion Pharma will have to add an RFID tag to all their packages sold on that market. At present, tracking is based on the batch number. Stora Enso’s PackAgent solution is based on the Trackway software developed by Stockway, a Finnish specialist software provider. Stora Enso is working with BearingPoint, Inc. in regard to the sales, delivery and systems integration of the solution. PackAgent is part of Stora Enso’s offering of intelligent packaging solutions. The PackAgent software is compatible with various other identification technologies in addition to RFID, and enables products to be tracked and authenticated at both item and pallet level. PackAgent can also be used to provide consumers an easy way to authenticate products via the Internet. Stora Enso is an integrated paper, packaging and forest products company, producing publication and fine paper, packaging board, and wood products – all areas in which the group is a global market leader. Orion Pharma and Oriola are part of the Orion Group. Orion Pharma is a North European pharmaceuticals company with special emphasis on developing innovative treatments for global markets. Oriola focuses on the wholesale and distribution of pharmaceuticals and on the marketing and distribution of healthcare products and equipment in Finland and in the Baltic countries, where it is one of the leading companies. Orion Group 2005 net sales were Euro 1 901.8 million, operating profit Euro 180.0 million.