OCI Highlights Significant Milestone in ATP Credential Adoption on Verification Router Service
NEWTOWN, PA — March 23, 2026 — The Open Credentialing Initiative (OCI) is pleased to announce a landmark increase in the use of Authorized Trading Partner (ATP) credentials within the pharmaceutical supply chain. Data recently shared by the Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) reveals a significant surge in credentialed Verification Router Service (VRS) requests during December 2025, marking a pivotal moment for Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) maturity.
According to the Industry-wide HDA VRS PN Reporting data, December 2025 saw the number of requests with credentials climb to over 33,000—a massive leap from previous months. This spike coincides with a large health system going live with VRS and fully integrated ATP credentials, demonstrating the scalability and readiness of the ecosystem to handle high-volume, secure verifications.
These findings were first presented to the industry during the HDA’s VRS Provider Network (PN) Industry Update on March 6, 2026. OCI extends its gratitude to the participating VRS providers whose commitment to self-reporting made this data available. This transparency is essential for tracking our collective progress toward a fully secure, interoperable supply chain.
Safety and Efficiency Through ATP Credentials
The December data highlights more than just a numerical increase; it underscores the critical role ATP credentials play in DSCSA compliance and operational excellence. By utilizing digital credentials, trading partners can perform instant, automated ATP checks. If fully enforced, this process ensures that every VRS interaction is safe, verified, and restricted to legitimate entities, effectively shielding the supply chain from unauthorized actors.
Notably, the technical performance difference between VRS requests with and without ATP credentials was minimal. Average response times remained roughly equal and well under one second, proving that credentials provide enhanced security with no negative impact on VRS performance.
Beyond security, the shift toward credentialed requests drives significant business efficiency. Automated verification eliminates the need for manual "paper-chasing" and reduces the administrative burden on both requesters and responders, allowing healthcare providers to focus on their primary mission: patient care.
"The December surge is a clear indicator that the industry is moving past the ‘learning’ phase and into a ‘seasoned’ era of digital trust," said Alex Colgan, LedgerDomain. "Seeing a large health system successfully go live and generate tens of thousands of secure requests proves that the infrastructure OCI-aligned partners have built is robust, reliable, and ready for the future."
"This milestone proves that interoperable credentials are no longer just a theoretical concept—they are a functional reality for large-scale dispensers," added Michael Ruether, CEO, Spherity Inc. "By integrating ATP checks directly into the VRS workflow, we are providing the industry with a seamless way to ensure compliance while maintaining the speed and integrity of the drug supply chain.
As we move forward in 2026, OCI remains committed to supporting all stakeholders—from manufacturers and distributors to independent pharmacies, hospital systems, and large chains—in adopting these vital security measures.
About OCI
The Open Credentialing Initiative (OCI) is a collaborative non-profit group formed by a cross-section of pharmaceutical supply chain stakeholders. OCI is dedicated to developing and promoting the use of interoperable digital credentials to meet DSCSA requirements and enhance the security of the U.S. drug supply.
For more information and updates on ATP credentialing, visit www.oc-i.org/updates.
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Media Contact:
OCI Communications Team
info@oc-i.org
