Colorcon has teamed up with Applied DNA Sciences to use its DNA tags in pharmaceutical oral dosage formulations, firming up an option it took on the technology last year.

Under the terms of the deal, Colorcon has taken an exclusive license to use APDN’s DNA markers and authentication technologies in film coatings for tablets, as well as a non-exclusive license for their use in inks and colorants. Shares in APDN were up more than 10% after the deal was announced.