NEW YORK, NY /PRNewswire/ -- World Product Centre (WPC) has announced that Dublin, Ohio-based Cardinal Health -- one of the world's largest health care suppliers -- is among the first 11 health care companies to sign license agreements with WPC.

Joining Cardinal Health as Charter Partners in WPC are Zimmer, Inc., a global orthopedic manufacturer and distributor in the U.S. and Encompass Group, LLC, a manufacturer and distributor of health care textiles, uniforms and architectural products addressing patient safety and satisfaction.

Also signing on are seven of the portfolio companies under the health care-focused private equity partnership Roundtable Healthcare Partners: ACI Medical, a biomedical engineering firm engaged in manufacturing and sales of therapeutic products and technologies for individuals with varying degrees of life-impairing vascular conditions; Bioniche Pharma, a leading developer and manufacturer of injectable pharmaceuticals; Aspen Surgical, a worldwide leader of specialty medical products; CorePharma, a manufacturer and marketer of generic pharmaceuticals; Avalign Technologies, a premier, full-service supplier of implants, instruments, and delivery systems; Excelsior Medical, a medical device company offering products that fulfill the needs of the health care practitioner; and Vesta, a contract manufacturer with innovative solutions in medical grade silicone molding and extrusion.

"World Product Centre is pleased to welcome this esteemed and diverse group of companies as our initial Charter Partners," said John Strong, President of World Product Centre Marketing. "These companies are at the forefront of the healthcare industry and we are looking forward to introducing more Charter Industry and Education Partners in the coming months."

"The development of World Product Centre provides a transparent, neutral location for health care providers to evaluate products and services from a variety of manufacturers and distributors," said Mark Rosenbaum, Chief Customer Officer for Cardinal Health. "In addition, World Product Centre will act as a collaboration catalyst for health care suppliers to stimulate innovation and address the cost and quality challenges of today's complex health care system."

Because of impending health care reform in the U.S., it is imperative that medical product suppliers and providers find a neutral place to conduct business and collaborate, as well as develop "best practices" that will support innovation.

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