Nycomed extends GPO deal to Novation

Nycomed Amersham Imaging of Princeton, NJ, has extended its contrast agent supply relationships with group purchasing organizations VHA and University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) to Novation, the new company formed to supply the GPOs. The extension also incorporates new Nycomed contrast agents not covered in the previous deals, such as the company’s Teslascan MRI liver imaging agent.

Nycomed Amersham previously had separate contrast supply deals with VHA of Irving, TX, and UHC of Oak Brook, IL. Those GPOs in January spun off their supply and purchasing organizations to form Novation, so Nycomed Amersham began negotiating a supply deal with the new entity.

The new agreement covers contrast agent purchasing for the next five years, beginning in January. It also includes provisions that should increase compliance among VHA and UHC members, according to a Nycomed Amersham spokesperson.