SAFEWAY, MCKESSON SIGN DRUG, DATA AGREEMENT

PLEASANTON, Calif. -- Safeway here expects its newly signed distribution agreement with San Francisco-based McKessonHBOC will place it at the forefront of efficient drug delivery and health care information through technologically advanced systems.

technologies in supply management, pharmacy automation and information through its OmniLink centralized pharmacy computer application, its InfoLink Web-based information-access technology and its Baker APS pharmacy-automation technology.

Rich Cancilla, vice president of pharmacy operations for Safeway, said the chain chose McKesson because of its technology, which will allow Safeway to operate more efficiently. "These services will enable Safeway pharmacists to spend a greater portion of their time offering our customers more personalized service, including disease management programs," Cancilla said in a press statement. Safeway did not return phone calls from SN requesting comment.

Safeway, which operates 1,497 stores in the United States and Canada, of which 898 include pharmacies, joins a growing list of megaretailers that have signed supply agreements with McKesson over the last year.