Meridian Health and Cypak Partner to Develop Innovative Health Care Solutions

NEPTUNE, N.J. and STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Meridian Health and Cypak today announced a partnership to jointly develop new technology-based products and services aimed at improved patient care and clinical outcomes. The initial focus of the partnership will be on the creation of products and tools related to medication management, pain management, and various chronic conditions. The new patient-empowering products will leverage patented embedded technology and are expected to be launched in 2010. Both organizations are confident the products will advance the way patients and care providers view care delivery in the future.

"The initial projects are focused on assisting patients in managing their medications, reducing pain, and more readily participating in early monitoring of chronic conditions," explains Salvatore R. Inciardi, senior vice president of Business Development, Meridian Health. "We will be working with Cypak to leverage the ability of embedded chip technology in very practical, user-centric ways. Meridian Health's goal will be to provide true end-to-end solutions that can be broadly applicable to many therapies in the future, whether in the home or in various clinical settings."

"The unique benefit of Cypak technology is our ability to bring patients and providers closer together," says Per Nathanaelson, chief executive officer of Cypak. "By embedding affordable wireless monitoring technology into devices patients uses every day, we can keep care providers informed 24/7. Our platform uses very little power and is very easy to use so patients can choose to stay in touch even when away from health providers or home -- and after all, people want to be able to continue their normal working and social lives."

As one of New Jersey's most comprehensive health care providers, with operating revenues exceeding $1 billion and serving a population of over 1.5 million, Meridian has always actively sought out technology partners to develop and pilot new technology solutions. Inciardi states, "Meridian is a leading not-for-profit health care provider with a growing and diverse community that depends on us to seek out and provide the best healthcare options. By partnering with technology innovators, such as Cypak we are able to deliver superior health and care-management services to our clients and to expand our business horizons. We have been working with Cypak for several months now and we are convinced they are a good partner for Meridian. They have proven to have a superb technology, a leading position in the development of global standards and a broad international network, and most importantly they are willing to listen and react to our requirements."

"Meridian Health in New Jersey is a perfect strategic partner for Cypak," says Nathanaelson. "The New Jersey community Meridian serves is demographically diverse, knowledgeable, and forward thinking. Meridian Health is a flexible, capable, and innovative healthcare provider. They drive us to maintain our leadership as a global technology provider for connected health solutions and they will join our Advisory Board."

While initial launches of the new products will be targeted in New Jersey, Meridian Health and Cypak intend to market the innovative health offerings through appropriate outlets in the USA and Europe markets.

Meridian Health

Meridian Health is a leading not-for-profit health care organization in New Jersey, comprising a university teaching hospital, two community hospitals, a children's hospital, and in-home and community-based services that include home health services; skilled nursing centers; physician practices; rehabilitation and fitness centers; occupational health; home medical equipment and in-home safety technology; ambulance and medical transportation services; as well as outpatient laboratory, imaging, and surgery centers.

Meridian Health has consistently been rated among the top performing health systems in New Jersey, and is the recipient of numerous state and national recognitions for patient care quality and nursing excellence. For more information, please visit www.meridianhealth.com.

Cypak

Cypak AB is a privately owned technology provider based in Stockholm, Sweden. Cypak customers are leaders in their segments in USA, Europe, and Japan. Cypak has developed the CPK082 application specific integrated circuit particularly for medication and vital sign monitoring and takes a leading role in international standardization and the Continua Health Alliance. For more information, please visit www.cypak.com.

SOURCE Meridian Health