Pharmaceutical Contracting Process To Be Streamlined

Compiled ByDeborah Austin Healthcare supply-chain firms Bindley Western, Geneva Pharmaceuticals Inc., and a major Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) are spearheading an effort to streamline the pharmaceutical contracting process, using e-commerce technology. The initiative will address external system interface and integration issues that limit the industry's e-commerce optimization. Because many of the problems relate to contracting, it has asked contracting supply-chain-infrastructure firm MedContrax to participate, and will use the MedContrax Contract Processing Network. The National Wholesale Druggists' Assn. has been asked to serve as advocate for its members in the initiative, which also has sought support of the Object Management Group focused on streamlining information technology business practices. The $21.6 billion Geneva -- a generic drug company -- is based near Denver; pharmaceutical provider Bindley, in Indianapolis.