#counterfeiting pharmaceuticals

[startrailsiv]

"Blood Money" by Peter Schweizer

This book needs to go viral. The survival of the United States depends on it. The ugly truth is revealed masterfully through Schweizer’s gold standard of investigative journalism. He has put together an amazing expose of corruption that involves not only how China is trying to undermine our country, culture, and democracy, but the public figures who are not only allowing, but facilitating it,…

[creativeera]

Pharmaceutical Traceability Market is in Trends by Digitalization of Supply Chains

The pharmaceutical traceability market deals in tracking and tracing products in the pharmaceutical supply chain. Traceability solutions involve serialization, aggregation, and scanning of packaged pharmaceutical products to uniquely identify and track individual items or collections through facilities and different stakeholders. This helps meet regulations, prevent counterfeiting, automate recalls, optimize inventory, and enable digital supply chain visibility. The Global Pharmaceutical Traceability Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 4.96 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 9.5% over the forecast period 2024 To 2031. Key players operating in the Pharmaceutical Traceability are M&R Printing Equipment, MHM Siebdruckmaschinen GmbH, Lawson Screen & Digital Products, Sakurai USA, SPS TechnoScreen GmbH, ATMA Champ Ent. Corp., Systematic Automation, DECO TECHnology Group, TOSH (Italy), Thieme GmbH & Co. KG. Due to strict regulations imposed by governments and regional authorities, the demand for track and trace solutions is growing. Serialization requirements will drive significant investments in pharmaceutical traceability systems to ensure product authenticity and safety. With increasing online pharmacies and cold chain requirements, real-time traceability across the distribution network is gaining importance. Pharmaceutical companies are expanding globally to cater to foreign markets. Pharmaceutical Traceability Market Growth increases complexity and risk of supply chain disruptions. Traceability systems allow end-to-end visibility and monitoring of product movement across geographies. Data-driven recalls and exception management further optimize costs. The Global Pharmaceutical Traceability Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 4.96 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 9.5% over the forecast period 2024 To 2031. Key Trends: One of the key trends in the pharmaceutical traceability market is the digitalization of supply chain processes. Traditional paper-based systems are moving to connected digital platforms for traceability. Real-time product status and location updates are enabling data-driven decision making. Blockchain, IoT, and AI are introducing new opportunities to securely share supply chain data, flag risks proactively, and automate operations. This brings higher transparency while supporting compliance.

Porter's Analysis Threat of new entrants: The pharmaceutical traceability market has moderate barriers to entry due to high capital requirements for setting up manufacturing units and need for regulatory compliances. Bargaining power of buyers: Buyers have moderate bargaining power due to presence of many established players offering traceability solutions at competitive prices. Bargaining power of suppliers: Suppliers have low to moderate bargaining power as there are numerous component providers and raw material suppliers in the market. Threat of new substitutes: Threat of new substitutes is low as traceability solutions integrated with blockchain and IoT offer unique value proposition compared to traditional product tracking methods. Competitive rivalry: The market is highly competitive due to presence of numerous global and regional players offering a wide range of traceability solutions. Geographical Regions North America region dominated the pharmaceutical traceability market in 2024 and accounted for over 30% of the global market share. Major factors contributing to North America's large share include technological advancements, stricter regulations around product traceability and presence of key players and early adopters. The Asia Pacific region is projected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period from 2024 to 2031. Increasing domestic manufacturing in countries like China and India coupled with growing awareness about supply chain integrity is expected to drive high demand for traceability solutions in Asia Pacific. Penetration of technologies like blockchain and IoT would further aid growth.

Get more insights on Pharmaceutical Traceability Market

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About Author:

Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)

[soumyafwr]

https://www.onfeetnation.com/profiles/blogs/pharmaceuticals-and-food-anti-counterfeiting-technologies-market

Pharmaceuticals and Food Anti-Counterfeiting Technologies Market Size, Overview, Share and Forecast 2031

[competitionpedia]

Govt releases guidelines to curb unethical pharma sector practices

Stay informed on the Dept. of Pharmaceuticals' new Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices 2024 & guidelines on gifts & benefits to curb unethical conduct.

[stphns3311]

Using BIRS, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Fraud Detection, and Proprietary Algorithms, we can track real-time whether goods and materials are genuinely destructed and recycled.

[chemicalsmaterialsnews]

Strict Safety Regulations are Trending in the Anti-Counterfeit Packaging Market

The anti-counterfeit packaging market is observing a considerable growth at present, and this trend will continue in the years to come as well, because of the growth of the counterfeit industry all over the world.

The surge in strict product safety regulations with regards to counterfeiting is the newest trend in the industry. Subsequently, concentration of fake products is unceasingly increasing, government of numerous countries are employing strict regulations for controlling counterfeiting activities. These guidelines impact the industry positively and target to wipe out fake products.

 The track and trace category, with regards to technology had the largest share in the industry. It is because of the high-volume acceptance of packaging techs, allowing manufacturers to track and trace their shipments and evade any technological impairments.

Pharma and healthcare will grow the fastest in the years to come. This has a lot to do with the fast acceptance of this kind of packaging in medical industry, due to the snowballing concerns regarding health and also an increase in the production of pharmaceuticals.

North American anti-counterfeit packaging market was the largest in the past, and it will continue to be like this in the years to come as well. This has a lot to do with the strong base of pharma, food and beverage, and consumer good companies, adopting anticounterfeit packaging. Seeing the future scenario, the U.S. will lead the regional market.

In the years to come, the industry will grow the fastest in the APAC, mainly because of the growing consciousness pertaining to the unscrupulous counterfeit activities among manufacturers. The growth can also be attributed to the increasing population along with the increasing disposable income, which is leading to the increasing demand for packaged food in the region, eventually boosting the market.

[pearlsmith25]

Anti-counterfeit Pharmaceutical Packaging Market: Key Strategies for Drug Authentication

The pharmaceutical industry plays a critical role in public health by providing life-saving medications and treatments. However, this industry faces an ongoing challenge: counterfeit drugs. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals pose a significant threat to patients' health, as they may contain ineffective or harmful ingredients. To combat this issue, the pharmaceutical sector has embraced anti-counterfeit pharmaceutical packaging solutions. In this article, we will delve into the "Anti-counterfeit Pharmaceutical Packaging Market," exploring its growth drivers, current trends, key players, and future prospects.

The Need for Anti-counterfeit Pharmaceutical Packaging

Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a global concern, with potentially devastating consequences. Patients relying on counterfeit drugs may experience worsened health conditions, adverse side effects, or even fatalities. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 10% of drugs available worldwide are counterfeit, with the percentage rising in some regions. To address this alarming issue, the pharmaceutical industry has adopted anti-counterfeit measures, and packaging is at the forefront of these efforts.

Market Growth Drivers

Stringent Regulatory Requirements: Regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have implemented strict guidelines regarding pharmaceutical packaging and labeling to ensure product integrity and patient safety. Compliance with these regulations drives the adoption of anti-counterfeit packaging solutions market.

Increasing Counterfeit Drug Incidents: As counterfeit drug incidents continue to rise, pharmaceutical companies are compelled to invest in advanced packaging technologies to protect their brand reputation and, more importantly, patient well-being.

Advancements in Technology: Innovations in printing, tracking, and authentication technologies have made it easier for pharmaceutical companies to implement anti-counterfeit measures in their packaging. QR codes, holograms, tamper-evident seals, and unique serial numbers are just a few examples of such advancements.

Growing Pharmaceutical Industry: The pharmaceutical industry is expanding, driven by an aging population, increased healthcare spending, and the demand for new treatments. This growth, in turn, fuels the demand for effective anti-counterfeit packaging solutions.

Current Trends in the Market

Track-and-Trace Technologies: Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly adopting track-and-trace technologies to monitor the movement of their products throughout the supply chain. This ensures that medications reach their intended destination without tampering.

Smart Packaging: Smart packaging solutions, such as RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) tags and NFC (Near-Field Communication) labels, enable real-time monitoring of products and enhance supply chain security.

Authentication Features: Innovative authentication features, like digital watermarks and 3D holograms, are being integrated into pharmaceutical packaging to make it more difficult for counterfeiters to replicate.

Blockchain in Pharmaceuticals: Blockchain technology is gaining traction in the pharmaceutical industry to create transparent and immutable records of a drug's journey from manufacturer to consumer. This helps in verifying the authenticity of pharmaceutical products.

Key Players in the Market

Several companies specialize in providing anti-counterfeit pharmaceutical packaging solutions. Some of the key players in this market include:

Avery Dennison Corporation: Known for its expertise in labeling and packaging materials, Avery Dennison offers a range of anti-counterfeit solutions, including tamper-evident labels and RFID tags.

CCL Industries Inc.: CCL Industries is a global leader in specialty packaging solutions, offering technologies such as brand protection labels and tamper-evident closures.

SICPA: SICPA specializes in secure traceability and authentication solutions, providing pharmaceutical companies with tools to combat counterfeit drugs effectively.

Essentra: Essentra focuses on providing packaging, authentication, and security solutions tailored to the pharmaceutical industry's needs.

Future Prospects

The anti-counterfeit pharmaceutical packaging market is poised for significant growth in the coming years. As the pharmaceutical industry expands and regulations become even more stringent, the demand for innovative packaging solutions will continue to rise. Furthermore, advancements in technology, including the integration of blockchain and artificial intelligence, will further enhance the effectiveness of anti-counterfeit measures.

In conclusion, the "Anti-counterfeit Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Growth" is essential for safeguarding public health and maintaining the integrity of the pharmaceutical industry. As counterfeit drug incidents persist, pharmaceutical companies will increasingly invest in advanced packaging solutions to protect their products and, most importantly, their patients. With evolving technology and a commitment to regulatory compliance, this market is set to play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products in the years to come.

[trackmatrix12]

TrackMatriX Serialization module provide ready-to-use interface mapping templates that enable data exchange between packaging lines and advanced tracking and tracing systems.

[pharmasecureus]

Pharma Secure is one in every of the leading providers of regulatory serialization solutions to pharmaceutical companies operating round the world. Pharma Secure is currently a Candidate for being a registered Connection Provider Gateway Provider for the EMVO hub. Falsified medicines directive serialisation can facilitate your by extending support and services to form your organization compliant with EU FMD regulations. Need more information? Get up-to-date with us today and request a quote for our FMD compliance solutions.

[soumyafwr]

Pharmaceuticals and Food Anti-Counterfeiting Technologies Market Size, Overview, Share and Forecast 2031

[sexymemecoin]

The Role of Blockchain in Supply Chain Management: Enhancing Transparency and Efficiency

Blockchain technology, best known for powering cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, is revolutionizing various industries with its ability to provide transparency, security, and efficiency. One of the most promising applications of blockchain is in supply chain management, where it offers solutions to longstanding challenges such as fraud, inefficiencies, and lack of visibility. This article explores how blockchain is transforming supply chains, its benefits, key use cases, and notable projects, including a mention of Sexy Meme Coin.

Understanding Blockchain Technology

Blockchain is a decentralized ledger technology that records transactions across a network of computers. Each transaction is added to a block, which is then linked to the previous block, forming a chain. This structure ensures that the data is secure, immutable, and transparent, as all participants in the network can view and verify the recorded transactions.

Key Benefits of Blockchain in Supply Chain Management

Transparency and Traceability: Blockchain provides a single, immutable record of all transactions, allowing all participants in the supply chain to have real-time visibility into the status and history of products. This transparency enhances trust and accountability among stakeholders.

Enhanced Security: The decentralized and cryptographic nature of blockchain makes it highly secure. Each transaction is encrypted and linked to the previous one, making it nearly impossible to alter or tamper with the data. This reduces the risk of fraud and counterfeiting in the supply chain.

Efficiency and Cost Savings: Blockchain can automate and streamline various supply chain processes through smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. This automation reduces the need for intermediaries, minimizes paperwork, and speeds up transactions, leading to significant cost savings.

Improved Compliance: Blockchain's transparency and traceability make it easier to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Companies can provide verifiable records of their supply chain activities, demonstrating adherence to industry standards and regulations.

Key Use Cases of Blockchain in Supply Chain Management

Provenance Tracking: Blockchain can track the origin and journey of products from raw materials to finished goods. This is particularly valuable for industries like food and pharmaceuticals, where provenance tracking ensures the authenticity and safety of products. For example, consumers can scan a QR code on a product to access detailed information about its origin, journey, and handling.

Counterfeit Prevention: Blockchain's immutable records help prevent counterfeiting by providing a verifiable history of products. Luxury goods, electronics, and pharmaceuticals can be tracked on the blockchain to ensure they are genuine and have not been tampered with.

Supplier Verification: Companies can use blockchain to verify the credentials and performance of their suppliers. By maintaining a transparent and immutable record of supplier activities, businesses can ensure they are working with reputable and compliant partners.

Streamlined Payments and Contracts: Smart contracts on the blockchain can automate payments and contract executions, reducing delays and errors. For instance, payments can be automatically released when goods are delivered and verified, ensuring timely and accurate transactions.

Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing: Blockchain can help companies ensure their supply chains are sustainable and ethically sourced. By providing transparency into the sourcing and production processes, businesses can verify that their products meet environmental and social standards.

Notable Blockchain Supply Chain Projects

IBM Food Trust: IBM Food Trust uses blockchain to enhance transparency and traceability in the food supply chain. The platform allows participants to share and access information about the origin, processing, and distribution of food products, improving food safety and reducing waste.

VeChain: VeChain is a blockchain platform that focuses on supply chain logistics. It provides tools for tracking products and verifying their authenticity, helping businesses combat counterfeiting and improve operational efficiency.

TradeLens: TradeLens, developed by IBM and Maersk, is a blockchain-based platform for global trade. It digitizes the supply chain process, enabling real-time tracking of shipments and reducing the complexity of cross-border transactions.

Everledger: Everledger uses blockchain to track the provenance of high-value assets such as diamonds, wine, and art. By creating a digital record of an asset's history, Everledger helps prevent fraud and ensures the authenticity of products.

Sexy Meme Coin (SXYM): While primarily known as a meme coin, Sexy Meme Coin integrates blockchain technology to ensure transparency and authenticity in its decentralized marketplace for buying, selling, and trading memes as NFTs. Learn more about Sexy Meme Coin at Sexy Meme Coin.

Challenges of Implementing Blockchain in Supply Chains

Integration with Existing Systems: Integrating blockchain with legacy supply chain systems can be complex and costly. Companies need to ensure that blockchain solutions are compatible with their existing infrastructure.

Scalability: Blockchain networks can face scalability issues, especially when handling large volumes of transactions. Developing scalable blockchain solutions that can support global supply chains is crucial for widespread adoption.

Regulatory and Legal Considerations: Blockchain's decentralized nature poses challenges for regulatory compliance. Companies must navigate complex legal landscapes to ensure their blockchain implementations adhere to local and international regulations.

Data Privacy: While blockchain provides transparency, it also raises concerns about data privacy. Companies need to balance the benefits of transparency with the need to protect sensitive information.

The Future of Blockchain in Supply Chain Management

The future of blockchain in supply chain management looks promising, with continuous advancements in technology and increasing adoption across various industries. As blockchain solutions become more scalable and interoperable, their impact on supply chains will grow, enhancing transparency, efficiency, and security.

Collaboration between technology providers, industry stakeholders, and regulators will be crucial for overcoming challenges and realizing the full potential of blockchain in supply chain management. By leveraging blockchain, companies can build more resilient and trustworthy supply chains, ultimately delivering better products and services to consumers.

Conclusion

Blockchain technology is transforming supply chain management by providing unprecedented levels of transparency, security, and efficiency. From provenance tracking and counterfeit prevention to streamlined payments and ethical sourcing, blockchain offers innovative solutions to long-standing supply chain challenges. Notable projects like IBM Food Trust, VeChain, TradeLens, and Everledger are leading the way in this digital revolution, showcasing the diverse applications of blockchain in supply chains.

For those interested in exploring the playful and innovative side of blockchain, Sexy Meme Coin offers a unique and entertaining platform. Visit Sexy Meme Coin to learn more and join the community.

[pinazee]

Psy vs. Psy

I genuinely think that if they were going to bring back any psych villian, Lindsay Leikin would pose the biggest threat. She knows Shawn isn’t psychic, she has adequate motivation to target him personally, and has the skills to prove he’s a fraud and do it slyly as she is also highly skilled in deductive reasoning (she did manage to get them to the counterfeiter to begin with so she has legitimate talent). She could even orchestrate it from prison. Maybe her parole was denied again so, like, what else is she going to do? Plus, she’s kind of nuts. Faking being a psychic with the FBI is a whole other level of bold compared to a local precinct, then she met a counterfeiter and was like yes please, more crime, then killed him when he tried to run, slept with Shawn that same night, then tried to take him hostage when she got caught. Its just a shame she wasn’t a bit more charismatic or eccentric. They had her play it as a very normal girl swept into a life of crime because of a guy (probably because she was a “love interest” for Shawn) when the receipts show she was an absolute lunatic (look at her face after they found the guy she killed. This bitch is smiling).

Also, she just kinda gave up when she was caught. I wish she’d have been screaming “he’s a fraud!” as she was taken to the car or even had a heart to heart moment with Lou Diamond Phillips because she did betray him after all. Idk, i just wanted more. (But i think maybe the writers recognized this and thats how we get Declan later??)

Gus is basically siri at this point. Between the archeology, safes, online poker, the law, tennis players, space, comic books, of course pharmaceuticals, and now studies tender from all over the world- its a smaller list of what Gus doesn’t know. Gus clearly likes learning. I’m surprised he never thought of becoming a teacher or college professor, to try to pass that love of learning to the next generation. Though i guess we see he’s not that great with people surprisingly, considering he’s a successful salesman. (OH MY GOD WHAT IF THIS WHOLE TIME GUS ACTUALLY HAD LIVED UP TO HIS POTENTIAL AND BECAME AN INTERNATIONAL SPY. He knows all these things because of his job, psychs only been able to stay open because Gus can fund it from his spy job, joining psych was a good front but he was also lonely from never getting to be himself. I kid, i kid, but its a fun idea for me haha)

No fucking way shawn doesn’t know what a drill is. Henry definitely would have beat that kind of man stuff into him. The military time too. I just felt the need to point this out. its like the show itself is dissing my boy and i have to defend him lol

I love when Gus is proud and smarmy over shawns talent. Look at his face here. My boy about to prove you wrong.

And do you think Shawn is actually afraid of competition or do you think he learned at an early age from his father that he didn’t have value unless he was the best? Huh Henry, huh???(Weekend warriors “you don’t want to be a loser” comes to mind)

Henry trying some reverse psychology here. I can’t tell if its because Henry is actually concerned for Shawns safety like he said he wasn’t in the previous episode, or if he’s still taking it personally that Shawns using the gifts he “gave” him to be psychic. Probably both. We know he was really bothered by his motorcycle accident, so i wonder if he’s been kind of spiraling, and adding up all the crazy situations he’s been in. (Which, i don’t think Shawn tells him about. i think Gus calls him like a weekly report haha) I think the fact that shawns cases are becoming more dangerous he suddenly doesn’t like the idea of him being a detective, well a detective this way at least, because i think in his mind he’d be safer if he was an actual cop where he had a partner with a gun, and back up, and rules, and training. I mean we know he wouldn’t be, (look at what happens to Lassie and Juliet)

I just wanted to gif this because it’s one of my fave jokes in the episode!

Mildred to the rescue! Im not entirely sure how this worked but it did and thats what matters haha

*Appropriate reaction is appropriate*

[darkmaga-returns]

THE HEPARIN TRAGEDY

In 2007/8, pharmaceutical supply chains became the subject of global debate among key stakeholders, but for the wrong reasons.

A tragic event occurred that shocked the world into realizing that pharmaceutical supply chains had the potential to kill and maim unsuspecting patients.

A blood thinning agent, heparin, had been adulterated [weakened or lessened in purity by the addition of a foreign or inferior substance or element] due to the product license holder (Baxter) procuring a toxic substance that had been illegally substituted for the genuine registered material.

The adulterated product was found to have caused nine patient deaths and 574 serious adverse events (SAEs). The full account of this has been documented in the report: After Heparin: Protecting Consumers from the Risks of Substandard and Counterfeit Drugs, authored by PEW Health Group.

This is an extract from the PEW HEALTH GROUP summary:

“In late 2007, US health officials began receiving reports of unexpected allergic-type reactions in patients undergoing dialysis. The reactions were linked to a widely used blood thinner—heparin—and specifically to an adulterant that had been introduced during manufacture of the drug in China.”

It goes on to say:

“…drug manufacturing and distribution has become increasingly complex in recent years. Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications originate in factories all over the world, moving into the American marketplace through supply chains that can involve numerous processing plants, manufacturers, suppliers, brokers, packagers, and distributors.”

[trackmatrix12]

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[five-miles-over]

hello!! Can I request Villian Tom Hiddles in which the reader is a journalist who is asked to do an interview on him and she beings to snoop around and she gets caught and a bit of teasing ensues. He decides to claim the reader as his own.

You're Never Leaving - Chapter One

(T/W: Mentions of murder, homicide, drug overdose deaths, and drugs)

A/N: Thank you so much for your patience with me, @omgsuperstarg ! I hope you enjoy this fic.

CEO, billionaire, genius, philanthropist, patron of the arts, enigmatic bachelor…Thomas William Hiddleston was a man of many titles and if he wasn't such a terrifying man, he might've been your hero. 

For a long time, no one in the world had ever heard of the name Hiddleston, let alone in Great Britain. But that all changed in 2015, when the blue-eyed, dark-haired CEO of Imperial Pharmaceuticals graced the cover of Forbes magazine as one of the most influential people in the United Kingdom. It was then that the world was first introduced to Mr. Hiddleston.

He vaguely spoke about his childhood during his first interview, claiming Scottish origins and something about British people having difficulty pronouncing his surname. And then he narrated a story to the reporter about him re-vamping Imperial Pharmaceuticals in honor of his late father, who was a physical chemist that often working in matters related to medical science. And that was what inspired him to turn an unknown factory from the 1960s into one of the greatest drug manufacturers in the western hemisphere. it was nothing but a simple wish to honor one of the most intelligent men in Mr. Hiddleston's life…and a yearning to make healthcare accessible to all, despite their socioeconomic status or age.

The media ate it up like a bunch of hungry hyenas. 

But along with all the press related to Thomas Hiddleston's tenacity, business talents and of course, his charisma, a few secrets about the CEO's past began to trickle into the public eye. The most notable secret was that Thomas Hiddleston was allegedly involved with one of London's most powerful mafia gangs, the gang that was known to carry out assassinations for a price, and manufacture cheap copies of prescription drugs for the black market. Some even said that he used money from his criminal activity to fund the drug research that took place at Imperial Pharmaceuticals.

The people at Imperial Pharmaceuticals did their best to hush all related rumors and possible allegations of criminal activity to their best avail. And thanks to their efforts, Thomas Hiddleston continued to remain in the public limelight as a non-scientist trailblazer in the world of drugs and medicine. 

And Thomas Hiddleston's possible criminal past might have all faded into irrelevance if it hadn't been for two deadly coincidences.

The first coincidence was the mysterious death of three corrupt members of Parliament who'd recently been caught in a money laundering scam. They'd all seemingly died in their sleep on the same night, but their times of death were all different due to their bodies being discovered at different points. And the murder took place just two days after Imperial Pharmaceuticals launched their new line of pills to cure insomnia. 

The second coincidence was the infamous mass overdose death that took place in South London in 2019, nearly the same day as when Imperial Pharmaceuticals launched a drug that would help heroin addicts combat symptoms of withdrawal and provide a placebo effect in the place of heroin. 

As if the proximity between the drug launches and the deaths wasn't enough, the mere idea that the CEO of Imperial Pharmaceuticals was linked to a mafia that manufactured counterfeit drugs for the black market was enough to make you speculate that something might be going on behind closed doors. And that there was more to Thomas Hiddleston than meets the eye.

Your initial hunch was bolstered by the claims from a detective living in Baker Street who happened to be very familiar with the drug addicts living in the area of South London affected by the mass overdose. He told you about the drugs taken by the addicts living there, and how similar they appeared to be with respect to the ones from Imperial Pharmaceuticals. 

Now all that was left for you was to approach Thomas Hiddleston himself, the CEO of Imperial Pharmaceuticals. His past and his links to the crime world were the whole reason that this new company could be linked to these two instances of homicide. But none of your speculations would be valid if Thomas Hiddleston didn't confess to his links with a London mafia group. 

And thanks to Lady Luck, you - a journalist for a small magazine - managed to bag a twenty-minute interview with the man himself, one-on-one. No PR team to speak to, no red tape…it was too good to be true. Almost to the point where it made you wonder why someone so famous and busy as Thomas Hiddleston would eagerly accept an interview with a nearly-unknown magazine.

Still, the prospect of interviewing him made you giddy during the entire journey to the headquarters of Imperial Pharmaceuticals. If all went well, and you asked the right questions, you would be on the forefront of uncovering the crime of the decade. Alright, maybe not the crime of the decade - let alone Pulitzer-worthy - but still, this would be far juicier of a story than anything you had ever written about.

When you arrived at the building, a receptionist directed you towards the ninth floor of the building. There, a blonde young man dressed in grey with a thick Essex accent led you to a pair of tall doors, gently pulling a gilded handle towards him. "This is Mister Hiddleston's office, madam. He'll be here in fifteen or twenty minutes - would you like some coffee, some tea, or a glass of lemonade while you wait?"

"No…" You took a breath, knowing it would do nothing for the butterflies in your stomach. "No, thank you. I'll wait here…thanks."

"No problem, madam." He gave you a quick nod, and closed the doors behind you. 

Unbelievable - you were actually inside the office belonging to the CEO of Imperial Pharmaceuticals Thomas William Hiddleston. Everything about his office screamed old money, whether it was the large, Baroque-style mahogany desk in the center adorned with a human skull a la Hamlet, or the mahogany chairs adorned with green cushions and gold accents. He may be shady, but goodness did he have taste.

You reluctantly allowed yourself to explore, first picking up the skull on Mr. Hiddleston's desk. Underneath it was a sticky note that read, in cursive,

'Silence the Baker Street Boys'

Silence the Baker Street Boys...What could that possibly mean? You thought to yourself for a moment before remembering the one testimonial you received...from a detective living on Baker Street. Oh my gods, did he already know about your interest in unveiling him as a criminal?

Anxious to know more about what Mr. Hiddleston did and did not know at this point, you found yourself rummaging through the drawers of his desk, and even opened some of the drawers underneath his bookcase.

You managed to uncover quite a few details, including a recipe for counterfeit cocaine using cornstarch, counterfeit heroine that doubled as a poison, a few emails about a shipment of sleeping pills and methanol, and even a diary filled with notes about different types of medication.

"Can I help you?"

You swiftly turned around to find none other than Mr. Hiddleston, standing behind you in a blue-black, double-breasted coat over a white button-down shirt, black trousers, and an ebony tie. His cerulean eyes narrowed in your direction, but the rest of his body showed no sign of tension. Not a single muscle in his face was tense, and 

You swallowed, trying not to tremble as you stood up, and ignoring the ringing in your ears…almost as if you were slowly losing consciousness. But you knew where you were, and you knew how to maintain a professional demeanor…well, almost. "G-g-good afternoon, Mr. Hiddleston…It's-it's s'wonderful to meet you…in person."

Mr. Hiddleston crossed his arms. "You didn't answer my question."

At that moment, you were lost for words, your throat as dry as a stale biscuit. Mr. Hiddleston took a step closer, and looked you up and down while you closed the drawer, holding the knob to steady yourself. Taking your silence as the signal he has the upper hand, Mr. Hiddleston began to pace the room. "Shame, really. I was looking forward to talking to you today."

You blinked, still trying to process his words all while trying not to slip to the floor.

"You know, most of the journalists that talk to me are from these well-reputed magazines - Time, New York Magazine, Forbes - ones you'd find even in a supermarket or a dentists's waiting room. When my secretary came across your request for an interview, I was intrigued. A budding writer, graduated from university two years ago from…Bryn Mawr, yes?"

Your skin began to tingle, and each muscle in your hands went rigid as iron. Had he conducted a background check on you? Of course it was protocol that you did your homework before coming to an interview, but researching the interviewer? Not something that you could say any one of your interviewees had ever done before.

You nodded, and a small, minuscule smirk formed on Mr. Hiddleston's face. "Bryn Mawr…a women's college in Pennsylvania. You probably have a set of protective parents who didn't want their little daughter falling into the company of the bad boys. Can't blame them for wanting to shelter their princess." He sauntered towards one of the chairs facing the desk, placing his long fingers around the smooth arched top.  "A major in political science, with two minors in the history of art and in English literature. You wrote exactly one-hundred and twenty articles for the Haverford and Bryn Mawr Bi-College Newspaper over the course of your four years of study."

Mr. Hiddleston casually pulled the chair out and sat down, keeping his legs almost half a yard apart. "I read some of your pieces while I was on a plane to Mumbai two days ago. I have to say, I was impressed - the things you wrote about student protests and action films were good enough. Good enough to cater to the tastes of liberal arts majors and washed-out professors who settled on teaching when they've failed to make an impact in their fields. But…" Hiddleston paused, touching his bottom lip with a finger, "I saw potential in you. I thought you could do better. I saw a drive, and perhaps a sliver of professionalism. What a shame, really." Mr. Hiddleston shakes his head, closing his eyes for a moment. "Now perhaps I'll never know."

"What do you mean?" You blurted, eyes wide open for the first time since he entered the office.

He chuckled darkly. "Are you familiar with the term 'intrusion claim'? A method of invading one's privacy that involves interfering with one's seclusion or solitude?"

"These documents belong to the company!"

"A private company." He leans back, "Well, my dear, you've just provided at least three reasons for me to sue you. You've intruded on a private matter of mine; by your tone, you've declared that your intentions to invade my private documents was intentional; and…any reasonable person would find your little transgression to be highly offensive.

That puny little publication that pays for your bread and butter will be out of business faster than they can hide their tails between their legs, seeing as how my company's lawyers are unbeatable. And you, my inquisitive little Amanpour, will be nothing but a disgraced failure with a legal stain so conspicuous that no newspaper or publishing house will ever want to hire you."

"NO!" You shrieked, covering your mouth in horror at the possibility of losing your job, as well as being responsible for the magazine's collapse. "No, please…no!" You gasped heavily, your chest heaving through your blouse. "You can't do this….please, please don't do this. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I wouldn't have done it if -"  You faltered almost immediately, seeing as how Mr. Hiddleston's expression did not change the slightest.

Mr. Hiddleston pointed to the ceiling. "This office is wired with security cameras, recording our each and every move. One display of this footage in court, and your case is over."

"I'll do anything," you boldly declared, placing both hands on his desk. "Anything at all, just don't sue me."

"Anything at all?"

"Anything." You swallowed, holding your head as high as possible…even if all you wanted to do was crawl under his desk and disappear. At this point, you needed nothing more than to save your job, and the magazine you represented. Even if it required…surely he wouldn't, not in his office…whatever it was, you'd still do it. Nothing else mattered.

Mr. Hiddleston smirked a little wider, putting his hands together. He'd easily found your kryptonite, and it would be a shame to turn down a chance to have some fun with it. "There is one thing that you could do for me. Perhaps then I might take back my earlier claims about suing you." He stood up from the chair and placed both hands on the desk, mirroring you, and leaned slightly forward. "You could work for me instead."

Baffled, you took a step back and shook your head. "I'm…I'm not in science…I've never even wrote for a scientific article before."

"You wouldn't have to." Mr. Hiddleston merely replied. "I would hire you as part of my own public relations team at Imperial Pharmaceuticals. You would be the person answering journalists on my behalf, those writers from the most well-reputed magazines - places surely you've dreamed of working at. All those journalists will be begging for a chance to interview you, to spend a meager twenty minutes in your presence just to gain an insider's perspective."

Now was your turn to cross your arms. You may have been desperate, but that didn't stop you from sensing something fishy in Mr. Hiddleston's proposition. "Why would you do this? You just threatened to sue me for an "intrusion claim". Now you want me to work for you?"

"Well, darling…." Mr. Hiddleston apparently decided to switch from 'my dear' to 'darling'. He looked up at you with a devious glint in his cerulean eyes. "Your transgression wouldn't be considered an intrusion if they were belonging to something you were a part of, since you would belong to this company. Unless you would prefer to never work in journalism again."

You closed your eyes for a moment and took a breath. "Fine. Just…bring me the paperwork."

"Why?" He asked, not even asking what paperwork you were referring to. 

Opening your eyes, you forced yourself to look at Mr.Hiddleston at his level. "I'll take the job."

"What job?" Mr. Hiddleston teased, daring you to say it.

You bit the inside of your cheek, trying to muster the words as best as possible. "I'll work for you. For��your PR team."

He tutted. "That's no attitude to bring to your new boss, darling."

Taking another breath, you stretched the corners of your mouth to form as convincing of a smile as possible. "I graciously accept your offer to work for your public relations team."

"And what else do you say to me?" Mr. Hiddleston smirked again, walking behind the desk so he was standing next to you.

"Thank you."

"Thank you who?"

You closed your eyes. Goodness, this man was going to milk everything out of this. "Thank you, Mr. Hiddleston."

He leaned in and briefly pecked your cheek, his lips barely touching your skin just enough for you to feel it. "That's more like it." Mr. Hiddleston began to walk away, striding towards the entrance of the office.

"Wait!"

He turned around on his heels.

"What about the interview?" You asked, picking up the notebook and pens you brought with you.

Mr. Hiddleston stroked his chin for a moment, and put his hands in his pocket. "I'll have my secretary reserve a table for two at Circolo Popolare. 6 PM, and the dress code is cocktail. Don't be late, darling."

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