CareFusion to buy robotic med systems firm for $150M

CareFusion has agreed to acquire Rowa, a company specializing in robotic medication storage and retrieval systems for retail and hospital pharmacies, for approximately $150 million.

Rowa, of Kelberg, Germany, makes robotic equipment used in pharmacies for high-speed storage and retrieval of pre-packaged pharmaceutical products, with technology geared for the packaging common in many countries outside the U.S.

CareFusion plans to continue Rowa's focus on retail pharmacy customers, while also targeting expansion within its core hospital customers, according to the San Diego-based medical technology company.

The acquisition is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2012.

Around the web

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services. 

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.