Verispan includes the advanced patient-level data products business and sales force analysis capabilities of Quintiles Informatics, and McKesson's robust data and data-provider relationships. In addition, Verispan combines three of the top names in the U.S. healthcare information market - Scott-Levin and SMG Marketing Group from Quintiles and Kelly/Waldron from McKesson. "I believe Verispan will offer significant benefits to organizations seeking fast, actionable data about how medicines are used to treat disease at the patient level," said Quintiles Transnational Chief Executive Officer Pam Kirby, Ph.D. "Every stakeholder in the healthcare system benefits when more insightful, accurate and timely data are available to help make better decisions faster." McKesson Supply Solutions President Paul Julian said: "Formation of this venture marks what I believe is a significant milestone in improving the quality and efficiency of healthcare through the use of de-identified patient-level data. I'm eager to see Verispan's unique data products widely applied to bring clarity and insight into diseases, treatments and outcomes." Several major data providers have contracted to provide de-identified prescription or medical data to the venture. In total, Verispan has secured rights to more than 1 billion U.S. retail pharmacy transactions and about 275 million electronic medical transactions annually. The company has licensed its data products to McKesson and Quintiles for use in their core businesses. Greg Porter, formerly chief executive officer of Quintiles Informatics, is CEO of Verispan. Peter Castagna, formerly president of the Acute Care division of McKesson's Medical-Surgical group, is chief operating officer. Verispan's corporate offices are in Newtown, Pa.; phone 866 270 8426. For more information visit Verispan's Web site at www.verispan.com....

Verispan, Healthcare Informatics Venture of McKesson Quintiles, Begins Operation