In a move to thwart counterfeit Viagra, on Friday said it has included special radio frequency identification tags on all packages of its anti-impotence pill to verify they are the authentic Pfizer product.

Pfizer has previously also opposed illegal imports of authentic Viagra into the United States, where they can be sold at steeply discounted rates, but said the new technology is not designed to block such imports.

Pfizer spokesman Bryant Haskins said the tiny tags are small computer chips that have been affixed to the underside of labels on each bottle of Viagra, as well as on cases and pallets of the drug.
The invisible tags relay an electronic code that verifies the product is bona fide and authorized Viagra.

This news article was written on January 8, 2006, quoting Reuters.