Aegate News

Axway and Aegate announce alliance for patient safety and global supply chain security

Orlando, FL, June 10, 2008 - Axway and Aegate have created an alliance to provide a framework for a secure and efficient drug supply, improving communication between product manufacturers, pharmacies and patients. The alliance is in response to industry-wide demand to proactively address security and patient safety in the global pharmaceutical supply chain.

This alliance is part of the global serialization track and trace initiative that Axway established in April 2008, to enable new business value across the supply chain. The alliance is comprised of multiple organizations, each of which contribute their respective expertise to enable end-to-end security in the pharmaceutical supply chain.

"As the pharmaceutical supply chain is stretched around the globe, pharmaceutical companies are increasingly concerned with potential weak links in the supply chain that would expose it to counterfeiting and diversion," said Gary Bachelor, VP, business development, Axway. "We are teaming up with Aegate to confront this issue head on. This collaboration will help organizations authenticate prescription drugs at the point of dispensation."

Counterfeiting and diversion continue to be a concern for the pharmaceutical industry and patient safety throughout the world. The problem is of particular concern to the pharmacies which are tasked with identifying suspect prescription drugs before they are dispensed.

Unfortunately, most pharmacies generally lack the tools and the infrastructure to enable them to authenticate the drugs. Axway's Synchrony™ ePedigree solution combined with Aegate's authentication solution and services allows all parties in the supply chain to be compliant with current and developing drug supply chain regulations.

"Good communication between the drug manufacturer and the pharmacist is essential to ensuring patient safety. Since pharmacists are the last stop before reaching the patient, they are ultimately responsible for authenticating both the pedigree and the product before dispensing," said Graham Smith, VP business development, Aegate.

"The partnership between Aegate and Axway is significant for Aegate as it supports our current and future international expansion plans. Most importantly, it will address patient safety needs by assuring the security of the pharmaceutical supply chain from end to end."

For additional information on Synchrony Supply Chain Integrity Suite, please visit: www.axway.com/solutions/healthcare.php .