Major companies selected in FDA’s drug tracking blockchain pilot

IBM, along with KPMG, Merck and Walmart have been selected by the FDA to participate in a blockchain project that aims to improve the drug supply chain.

The program, allowed under the U.S. Drug Supply Chain Security Act, will look at assisting drug supply chain stakeholders to develop an electronic, interoperable system to identify and trace certain prescription drugs distributed in the United States. The FDA previously announced the pilot program.

“Our supply chain strategy, planning and logistics are built around the customers and patients we serve,” Craig Kennedy, senior vice president of supply chain at Merck (MSD), said in a statement. “Reliable and verifiable supply helps...