Community pharmacy embraces Spherity’s digital credentials for enhanced efficiency and DSCSA compliance

Uptown Pharmacy adopts Authorized Trading Partner (ATP) credentials well in advance of the FDA exemption expiration in November 2026 

New York, NY, September 18, 2025 - Uptown Pharmacy, an independent pharmacy serving Westerville and the surrounding central Ohio area for 150 years, has successfully acquired Authorized Trading Partner (ATP) credentials from Spherity, a global leader in decentralized identity solutions, this year. This milestone strengthens their ability to detect and prevent the dispensing of suspect or counterfeit medications, while demonstrating commitment to DSCSA compliance ahead of the FDA’s November 27, 2026 exemption deadline for small pharmacies.

The move follows the July onboarding of two additional wholesale distributors, underscoring a growing industry shift toward automated trading partner authentication and streamlined product verifications via the Verification Router Service (VRS) network.

With OCI-compliant Spherity credentials, Uptown Pharmacy can perform real-time product identity verification and ATP status validation. They use the RxScanPI.com DSCSA solution, which utilizes the Spherity credential to perform the near instantaneous electronic product identity verification.

The credential exchange between the pharmacy and the responding manufacturer automates mutual recognition as an authorized entity and tells the pharmacies that they can trust the electronic response they receive through their VRS. ATP verification is a core requirement under the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), and digital credentials enable pharmacies of all sizes to meet compliance requirements while enhancing patient safety and operational efficiency.

“During the Product Identifier Verification process, you must be certain the parties are who they claim to be. Automated, computer-to-computer systems deliver answers much faster than manual outreach via email or phone. When there’s a patient waiting, speed is critical. The onboarding with Spherity was fast and straightforward with our DEA Signing Certificate. It took about five minutes per credential,” said Dr. Jarrett Bauder, PharmD, pharmacist manager at Uptown Pharmacy.

“Pharmacists already operate under immense pressure to serve patients and run their businesses. By adopting digital ATP credentials, they add an extra layer of security, automate verification checks, and save valuable time—not just for themselves, but for the entire supply chain. When every trading partner can confidently verify ATP status, we can reduce fraud, improve efficiency, and strengthen drug supply safety,” said Dr. Christiane Wirrig, Customer Success Manager, Spherity.

The adoption of digital ATP credentials by the Uptown Pharmacy demonstrates how independent pharmacies can lead in securing the drug supply chain, optimizing operations, and meeting DSCSA requirements. Acting today, rather than waiting until November 2026, positions pharmacies ahead of both regulatory and operational challenges.

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About Uptown Pharmacy

Uptown Pharmacy, a trusted independent pharmacy serving Westerville and central Ohio for 150 years, delivers personalized care in a traditional hometown pharmacy setting. A pioneer in pharmacist-provided immunizations and patient-centered health programs, Uptown Pharmacy offers medication therapy management services, chronic health condition education, blood and pharmacogenomic testing services in collaboration with local physicians and nurse practitioners. Committed to community and patient well-being, Uptown Pharmacy continues to set the standard for accessible, professional pharmacy care.

About RxScan

RxScan is a privately held corporation, established by a pharmacist whose primary goal at that time was to bring barcode scanning technology to the pharmacy profession. RxScan’s offerings now include perpetual inventory and DSCSA solutions used by distributors, medical offices, surgery centers, county emergency response centers, community and hospital pharmacies.

About Spherity

Spherity Inc., a global pioneer in digital identity software, revolutionizes secure identity integration for enterprises, machines, products, data, and algorithms. Leveraging self-sovereign identity (SSI), Spherity streamlines compliance with data protection and security regulations. Among its solutions, Spherity offers a Drummond-certified Authorized Trading Partner (ATP) Credentialing solution for DSCSA compliance, automating identity and license verification with golden master data records. The solution won the HDA Distribution Management Award for strengthening the security of the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain.