[Task force for falsified medicines].

In 2014, a large number of falsified medicines of Italian origin had come to light. Because of the extent of the falsification, the situation that most of these falsified medicines had been traced back to thefts in Italy by criminal networks, and the necessity of actions by national and local authorities, an intensified exchange of information was essential, in addition to a process of coordination. A task force for falsified medicines was established to optimize the flow of information among all parties involved and to coordinate the necessary measures.One result was the implementation of a procedure for optimizing the exchange of information and for harmonisation of required measures on falsified medicines. In particular, this procedure covers situations in which there is no clear legal responsibility, and is now considered as part of the work of the authorities. In addition, a database has been established in which all pharmaceutical wholesalers located in Germany with a valid wholesale license are publicly accessible. As a preventive measure, information about known thefts will be forwarded to parallel traders and their associations. This is to avoid these products coming onto the market in Germany.