Merge Announces Release of eClinical OS Platform at DIA Conference

Merge Announces Release of eClinical OS Platform at DIA Conference
Solution Supports Clinical Trials Captures Any Type of Data, From Any Source, Over Any Modality
CHICAGO, June 25, 2012 -- Merge Healthcare Incorporated (Nasdaq:MRGE), a leading provider of clinical systems and innovations that seek to transform healthcare, today announced the release of Merge eClinical OS, a new clinical trial operating solution that provides first-of-its-kind, end-to-end study support for trials of all sizes through one interface, one consistent experience, one platform.

"With Merge eClinical OS, clients can now utilize one solution across all capabilities, which means one partner and one contract, and removes the technical and administrative complexities typically associated with managing a trial," said Zaher El-Assi, General Manager, Merge eClinical. "Before, clients would have to use multiple systems for the capturing, processing and return of data for each study. That meant a new system selection process, which takes time to identify; a new installation, which takes time and resources to implement; and a new user experience which takes time and resources to learn. With Merge eClinical OS, researchers can spend less time managing technology and more time on what they really care about...improving the human condition."

Evolved from the most successful solutions in the Merge portfolio, Merge eClinical OS helps clients manage and run studies more efficiently than ever before. Merge eClinical OS works for the largest and smallest of studies and is suitable for large pharma, biotechs, small and large medical device companies, contract research organizations (CROs) and academic medical institutes.

As a single, web-based solution, it has the flexibility to support trials in any phase, and captures any type of data, from any source, over any modality. Merge eClinical OS also has the scalability to grow if a trial increases in size, number or complexity.

Merge eClinical OS provides a complete menu of clinical trial capabilities that can be mixed and matched to build a solid foundation for each trial environment. Clients can select the perfect mix of features and services to fit each study, including:

· Site data capture
· Sponsor study management
· Patient reported outcomes
· Endpoint adjudication
· Clinical image management
· Research site trial management
  · Site and patient payments
· Study configuration and build
· Inventory management
· Interactive response
· Site administration and productivity
· Mobile data access
 

It offers a single, easy-to-use interface for all data capture, processing and reporting functions needed to manage a trial. Data can be processed through any workflow and the data can be returned in any format. Plus, it delivers built-in study templates, libraries and reports to help users create studies quickly and manage them effectively without technical assistance.

Merge eClinical provides cost transparency with step-by-step, self-service quoting and decision support tools. Plus, with pay-as-you-go pricing, clients can minimize study costs by only paying for the functionality they need, when they need it.

"In the past, we would spend months selecting our clinical trials software, implementing it and training users on it," said Ryan Wilson, General Manager for Medpace Medical Device. "With Merge eClinical OS, study start up is much faster because no programming experience is needed. And the simple web-based interface means less training. I'm looking forward to getting all that time back so I can focus more on the research itself."

"Merge eClinical OS truly provides anywhere, any time access to study results," said Rob King, Chief Operating Officer, Novella Clinical. "I'm especially looking forward to using the new mobile applications and receiving study alerts directly to my iPhone."

Merge will be unveiling eClinical OS at the upcoming DIA Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, PA, booth #2601.

About Merge

Merge is a leading provider of clinical systems and innovations that seek to transform healthcare.  Merge's enterprise and cloud-based solutions for image intensive specialties provide access to any image, anywhere, any time. Merge also provides health stations, clinical trials software and other health data and analytics solutions that engage consumers in their personal health. With solutions that are used by providers and consumers and include more than 20 years of innovation, Merge is helping to reduce costs and improve the quality of healthcare worldwide. For more information, visit merge.com.

The Merge Healthcare logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=10757

Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The matters discussed in this news release may include forward-looking statements, which could involve a number of risks and uncertainties. When used in this press release, the words "will," "believes," "intends," "anticipates," "expects" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update such factors or to publicly announce the results of any of the forward-looking statements.

CONTACT: Media Contacts:
         Brenda Stewart
         Director, Marketing Communications
         312.540.6622 | [email protected]
        
         Lisa Brandli
         Public Relations Specialist
         425.653.1237 | [email protected]