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AAH Pharmaceuticals Selects Cyclone Commerce for Electronic Transmission of Prescriptions (ETP)

Co-operative Group Pharmacy First to Connect Live to ETP Project

Cyclone Commerce today announced that AAH Pharmaceuticals has selected Cyclone Activator(TM), a smarter, electronic B2B solution, to power the ETP function of its popular pharmacy management system -- LINKEvolution. With Cyclone Interchange and Activator, companies like AAH Pharmaceuticals, regulators like the EMEA, major pharmaceutical manufacturers, and large pharmacy chains are able to replace costly and inefficient paper-based systems with electronic systems, ultimately resulting in better safety standards, convenience and choice for patients, as well as reduced costs.

ETP, a government-driven initiative led by the United Kingdom's National Programme for IT (NPfIT), allows patient prescriptions to be electronically transmitted from the medical center to the community pharmacy. On February 22, the Co-operative Group Pharmacy branch in Keighley, North Yorkshire, was the first to receive electronic prescriptions via LINKEvolution using Cyclone Activator to manage the connection with the Spine.

"Co-operative Group Pharmacy was delighted to work in close partnership with Cyclone, AAH and the National Programme for IT to participate in the UK's first live ETP project. I am sure that this advance will create a very positive impact for pharmacists and their customers, bringing the pharmacy closer to the heart of health service provision," said Derek Drury, Head of IS of Co-operative Group Pharmacy.

AAH customer technology controller Geoff Mackay says more functionality will be developed in concert with the NPfIT as compliance requirements are developed. But the first and biggest impact, Mackay believes, will be the way in which the system will automate key dispensary processes, freeing up the pharmacist to concentrate on developing and delivering new healthcare services.

"By combining AAH's pharmacy management expertise with Cyclone's history of reducing communication latency we were able to give Co-operative Group Pharmacy first-mover advantage," said Mackay. "When we selected Cyclone we gained a partner with substantial healthcare presence, particularly when it comes to automating B2B flows with regulatory agencies."

"Cyclone Commerce is pleased to bring years of industry leadership in connecting healthcare trading partners, and we are proud to be the technology behind making this important initiative a success. This is a critical first step for implementing ETP and will have far-reaching impact on patients, physicians and pharmacists," said Derek Schwartz, director European operations at Cyclone Commerce. "It is a privilege to work with AAH, Co-operative Group Pharmacy and the NPfIT in implementing this system, which will eventually provide better safety standards, decreased costs for healthcare constituents, and faster service for patients."

"It was a very exciting project to lead, as it required focus, energy and close working relationships between AAH, Co-operative Group Pharmacy, Cyclone Commerce, and the NPfIT," explains Roberto Meazzini from GTB Consultancy ltd, a project management services provider to AAH. "The close collaboration coupled with the advanced technology on all sides ensured the success of this initial implementer site, and provides proof that public and private enterprise can successfully work together in order to achieve a common objective."

About Cyclone Commerce, Inc.

Cyclone is the world's leading provider of Smarter B2B solutions in the healthcare industry. Cyclone's 2,000 customers are some of the most well recognized brands, including the top pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare distributors. Cyclone also powers the e-submissions gateways for Europe (European Agency for the Evaluation of Medical Products), Japan (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare), and the United States (Food and Drug Administration).

Cyclone provides Smarter B2B solutions that help businesses manage business-to-business processes and act in real-time upon information "in flight" between customers, suppliers and other important partners. Founded in 1996, Cyclone Commerce is headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz.

More Information: www.cyclonecommerce.com

Distributed by Market Wire