QST Consultations Selects Merge's eClinical OS(TM)

CHICAGO, Oct. 10, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Merge Healthcare Incorporated (Nasdaq: MRGE ), a leading provider of clinical systems and innovations that seek to transform healthcare, today announced that QST Consultations, Ltd. has selected Merge's eClinical OS ™ solution as its preferred clinical trial platform to support Phases I, II and III and Post-Marketing studies on a global basis.

"We currently work with a range of sponsors that extend from small start-up organizations to well-established leaders in the pharmaceutical industry. We have developed significant therapeutic expertise in several key areas such as dermatology, ophthalmology, pulmonary, allergy, pain management, women's health, obesity, and several others that include wide-ranging support for dozens of approved submissions," explained Nancy Fitzgerald, CEO of QST Consultations. "Finding one system that is flexible enough to work for all types of studies was very important to us."

"We initially looked at eClinical OS because it is a single platform with all the study support capabilities we may need for a particular study, such as EDC, IWR/IVR, endpoint adjudication, or randomization," Fitzgerald continued. "Additionally, we were pleased with the option to choose self-service or partnering with Merge for study build services. With the intuitive study builder and built-in study templates, we can create studies quickly without having to outsource to a third party. This not only means we can improve timelines for our clients, but we can also better control costs, resulting in more competitive bids."

"With nearly 40 years experience providing clinical study consultation to the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, QST Consultations has used many different technologies to help clients manage and run studies," said Zaher El-Assi, President of Merge eClinical. "We're very pleased with their selection of Merge eClinical OS as a preferred solution and with their dedication in becoming a Merge certified expert-level builder. By implementing a single platform, they can spend less time and resources integrating numerous technologies for each study, and more time directly supporting the needs of their clients."

Merge eClinical OS has the flexibility to support trials in any stage, and captures any type of data, from any source, over any modality. Users benefit from the convenience of one operating platform with countless critical tools that can be mixed and matched to fit the needs of each trial environment.

About Merge Healthcare

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 .

About QST Consultations, Ltd.

QST Consultations, Ltd. was founded in 1974 and is an independent consulting firm for the medical device and pharmaceutical industries. QST specializes in clinical study design, protocol development, case report form design, data management, biostatistical analysis, report writing, and statistical consultation. The company's involvement includes many successful Phase I-III and Post-Marketing clinical trials designed to support 510(k), PMA, ANDA, and NDA submissions, along with ongoing marketing activities. For more information, visit qstconsultations.com .

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.

Media Contacts: Jennifer Jawor Director, Corporate Marketing 312.565.6825