Pharmacy Technology

In my last UpMarketing post, Dart and science, I described how combining quantitative and qualitative research with good old-fashioned gut instincts can drive results. This post examines a related topic: big data. Everyone’s talking about the mountains of data at their fingertips, just waiting for analysis and action.

NEW YORK — Alcon has launched a mobile website designed to facilitate dialogue between patients and pharmacists about eye and ear treatments, the company said Thursday.

Alcon announced the launch of Drops101 Web Tools, which offers access to information about two of its products: Ciprodex Otic (ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone), for acute otitis externa and acute otitis media in children with tymponostomy tubes; and Moxeza ophthalmic solution (moxifloxacin hydrochloride) for bacterial conjunctivitis.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Late last year, Walmart rolled out the pilot program for a new mobile initiative called "Scan & Go" to 70 stores in the Atlanta and Bentonville, Ark. areas, where the company is based. Now, the mass merchandise retailer is expanding the program after a successful test run.

NEW YORK — Pharmaceutical vending machine maker Medbox has bought a 50% stake in a Michigan-based company that has developed an automated medicine dispensing machine, Medbox said Friday.

The $5.15 million deal with MedVend includes a $300,000 capital infusion and additional loans if needed for operating expenses into a jointly controlled new corporation that will also be called MedVend.

ATLANTA — SoloHealth on Thursday announced it has been selected as one of the Technology Association of Georgia’s Top 10 Innovative Technology Companies. SoloHealth was recognized for its FDA-approved health and wellness kiosk, the SoloHealth Station.

"The Top 10 awards are given to an elite group of companies whose products and solutions are not only changing their respective industries, they also are putting Georgia on the map as a state where technology innovation can thrive," stated Tino Mantella, president & CEO of TAG. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Pharmacy-automation system maker PDX has made a deal with CoverMyMeds to help pharmacies using PDX's system to expedite the submission of prior-authorization forms to health insurance plans, PDX said.

The service, which will be offered at no cost to pharmacies, is meant to decrease the administrative hassles of prior authorizations, improve turnaround time and help to stop prescription abandonment.