HOUSTON, March 12 /PRNewswire/ -- US Oncology, Inc., one of the nation’s largest cancer treatment and research networks, has implemented an electronic pedigree (ePedigree) data management solution within their oncology drug distribution system to secure the supply chain of pharmaceuticals distributed to their network of affiliated practices. They are the first oncology distributor to provide ePedigrees.
With the new technology, US Oncology is ensuring that every drug distributed through its nationwide network is protected with an ePedigree track and trace system that documents the drug’s history in the distribution channel. US Oncology launched its pharmaceutical distribution business in 2005 and issues and delivers more than $1.8 billion in drugs throughout its network. To date, US Oncology has shipped over six million oncology units with electronic pedigrees.
“Drug counterfeiting is a growing concern and has affected some of the largest drug suppliers,” said Rolando DeCardenas, vice president of pharmaceutical distribution for US Oncology. “Oncology pharmaceuticals are a prime target because of their high prices and have been the subject of several counterfeit incidences.”
The new technology allows US Oncology to provide electronic pedigrees to affiliated physicians and manages the pedigrees in a central repository.
The ePedigree tracks the path of each oncology drug through the supply chain, verifies that the information in the pedigree has not been altered, and provides automatic self-authentication through sophisticated encryption using industry standard technologies.
The ePedigree portal capability makes it easier and more efficient for US Oncology network members to view their pedigrees over the Web. Affiliated physicians and cancer care sites can easily find pedigree information for any drug purchased from US Oncology by logging in to the Web-based order system.
“At US Oncology, we are using SupplyScape’s E-Pedigree(TM) that will continue to enhance our network’s ability to enable synchronized business processes across the supply chain, resulting in greater efficiencies, security, and business value for each affiliated physician,” said DeCardenas. SupplyScape is the leading provider of supply chain software and expertise to drive maximum security and value in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
In addition to implementing the electronic pedigree system, US Oncology holds the distinction of being one of the first distributors in the country to earn the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy’s (NABP) Verified- Accredited Wholesale Distributors (VAWD) accreditation. The VAWD program certifies that a wholesale distributor is operating in compliance with certain state laws and regulations by evaluating licensure status and conducting disciplinary screening, criminal and financial background checks, review of policies and procedures, and on-site inspections of facilities.
About US Oncology, Inc.:
US Oncology, headquartered in Houston, supports one of the nation’s largest cancer treatment and research networks. US Oncology provides extensive services and support to its affiliated cancer care sites nationwide to help them expand their offering of the most advanced treatments and technologies, build integrated community-based cancer care centers, improve their therapeutic drug management programs, and participate in many of the new cancer-related clinical research studies. US Oncology also provides a broad range of services to pharmaceutical manufacturers, including product distribution and informational services such as data reporting and analysis.
According to the company’s last quarterly earnings report, US Oncology is affiliated with 1,067 physicians operating in 425 locations, including 91 radiation oncology facilities in 37 states.
US Oncology, Inc.
CONTACT: Kimberly Rutherford of US Oncology, Inc., +1-832-601-6193,Kimberly.Rutherford@usoncology.com; or Elizabeth Vocke, +1-813-775-6206,Elizabeth.Vocke@hillandknowlton.com, for US Oncology, Inc.
Web site: http://www.usoncology.com//
