A Blockchain Secured Pharmaceutical Distribution System to Fight Counterfeiting

【Author】 Zoughalian, Kavyan; Marchang, Jims; Ghita, Bogdan

【Source】INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH

【影响因子】4.614

【Abstract】Counterfeiting drugs has been a global concern for years. Considering the lack of transparency within the current pharmaceutical distribution system, research has shown that blockchain technology is a promising solution for an improved supply chain system. This study aims to explore the current solution proposals for distribution systems using blockchain technology. Based on a literature review on currently proposed solutions, it is identified that the secrecy of the data within the system and nodes' reputation in decision making has not been considered. The proposed prototype uses a zero-knowledge proof protocol to ensure the integrity of the distributed data. It uses the Markov model to track each node's 'reputation score' based on their interactions to predict the reliability of the nodes in consensus decision making. Analysis of the prototype demonstrates a reliable method in decision making, which concludes with overall improvements in the system's confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The result indicates that the decision protocol must be significantly considered in a reliable distribution system. It is recommended that the pharmaceutical distribution systems adopt a relevant protocol to design their blockchain solution. Continuous research is required further to increase performance and reliability within blockchain distribution systems.

【Keywords】blockchain technologies; pharmaceutical distribution system; zero-knowledge proof; Markov model

【发表时间】2022 APR

【收录时间】2022-04-20

【文献类型】期刊

【主题类别】

区块链应用-医疗领域-