Southwest Oncology Network (SWON) Selects Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy for Development and Launch of SWON-Rx, an Oral Oncology Medication Management Platform

SWARTZ CREEK, Mich., May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy (Diplomat), the largest privately owned specialty pharmacy in the country, announced today that effective May 11, 2010, they have entered into a joint agreement with Southwest Oncology Network (SWON) to create SWON-Rx, a comprehensive specialty pharmacy support program to help practices manage oral oncology medications.  SWON-Rx will create programs that support SWON members' efforts to achieve optimal clinical outcomes for their patients.    

SWON is a professional limited liability company whose members are physicians and physician practices whose patients routinely require high-cost, specialty pharmaceuticals specifically for treatment of cancer.  SWON currently consists of 65 oncology practices throughout the United States, representing approximately 272 oncologists.

The joint agreement between SWON and Diplomat will provide SWON members access to Diplomat's Oncology Navigator™ program.  The Oncology Navigator™ Program incorporates over 35 years of experience in providing clinical and reimbursement solutions to patients with oncologic and hematologic disorders.  

"SWON selected Diplomat because of their patient centric reputation in the industry, their high level of customer service, and their commitment to helping oncology patients get the medications they need to obtain optimal clinical outcomes," stated  Mark Colangelo, SWON Vice President.  "Diplomat has unique expertise and dedicated resources that assist patients in reducing the financial burdens associated with these life-sustaining medications. SWON member practices value the support this provides their patients and their staff."

"Diplomat will be SWON's oral oncology Rx solution," stated Mark Neville, Vice President of Sales & Marketing.  "With the high number of new oral therapeutic options that have been FDA approved over the past few years, Diplomat's Oncology Navigator™  has dedicated the required resources to help SWON patients and physicians gain access to these needed medications regardless of the changing reimbursement landscape."

"The partnership between SWON and Diplomat will give us the opportunity to take the patient support services of our Oncology Navigator™ program to a new level," said Phil Hagerman, President & CEO of Diplomat Specialty.  "SWON-Rx was developed to create an improved system of patient care that encompasses all stakeholders in the fight against cancer."

About Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy

Michigan-based Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy, founded in 1975, is the nation's largest privately held Specialty Pharmacy and focuses on complete medication management programs for patients with serious and chronic conditions. Key programs include: Oncology, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn's, Hemophilia, Growth Hormone and Psoriasis. Other specialty areas include Transplant, Fertility, Dialysis Medication Management, Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy and Specialty Compounding. The company also specializes in disease management programs for chronic kidney disease patients. With locations in Flint, Swartz Creek and Grand Rapids, MI; Cleveland, OH; Chicago, IL; Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; and Los Angeles. Learn more about Keeping Patients Healthier…Longer™ at www.diplomatpharmacy.com

For more information contact:

Kathy Karns

[email protected]

810.720.4452

SOURCE Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy