Dallas-based kiosk and locker solutions provider Kiosk Operators has acquired Wellmation, a provider of pharmaceutical kiosks, in a deal that includes Wellmation’s patents, software, hardware, and general intellectual property.

Known as KO, the company said the acquisition solidifies its position as a game-changer in the pharmaceutical industry. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“KO plays a key role in creating accessible health solutions as well as transformative growth in pharmaceutical access and tele-health,” CEO John Laspia said in a statement. “Simply put, we are the newest and most cutting-edge product in the market, leap-frogging the competition.”

KO said the pharmaceutical industry is valued at $312 billion and is witnessing a paradigm shift.

The company said that with regulatory approval in seven states—including Texas, California, and Florida—for patient-accessible remote automated pharmacy dispensing systems, the industry is poised for widespread adoption of this innovative kiosk technology.

Improving patient access to medications

The integration of KO’s hardware with Wellmation’s software and the patent filings on their speed loader hardware fit seamlessly with KO’s picking and printing technology, the company said.

For example, KO said its advanced ID verification system allows OTC drugs to be dispensed by kiosks, thereby freeing up expensive pharmacist time. It said the systems it backs are designed to enhance pharmacy services by offering 24/7 access to prescription medications while streamlining operations, reducing overhead costs, and improving customer access and choice.

“Automation provides a wide range of solutions for patient access, including rural accessibility, telemedicine, urgent care, and many other subsectors in the healthcare ecosystem. It is also an opportunity for the pharmaceutical industry to reduce costs and improve compliance with data management,” Amy Valley, former Accenture managing director, Global Life Sciences, and advisor to KO, said in a statement.

KO said its experienced team and its ability for customization allows for a close working relationship with customers to create a kiosk solution that will enhance customer, patient, and physician relationships, increase efficiency, and drive growth.

“In the wake of Amazon’s recent purchase of Medivale, our solution-oriented approach to industry participants will ensure that we can facilitate change in multiple channels,” said KO Director of Sales Clifford Whitehead.

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