TechTown Startup Pill Pouch, Meijer Join Forces To Make Michigan Healthier
DETROIT -- TechTown, Wayne State University's research and technology park and business incubator, announced that client Pill Pouch has forged a deal with Meijer to makes its medication management product available to the public this month at select Michigan stores.
Nearly three-quarters of Americans do not take their medications as prescribed, resulting in an additional $290 billion in costs annually.
Pill Pouch, invented by Michigan resident Kathi Sitek, helps eliminate confusion for patients managing multiple medications. The product holds a sample of each pill, along with pertinent drug information and any special instructions. That makes it an easy-to-use reference tool when taking daily medication, setting up a weekly pill box, or visiting the doctor, pharmacy or hospital in an emergency.
As a TechTown client, Sitek worked closely with a team of professional business coaches to develop the company's business plan and ultimately seal the distribution deal with Meijer.
"We are thrilled that Pill Pouch has achieved this milestone," said TechTown president and CEO Leslie Smith. "We remain committed to supporting this and other Detroit-based entrepreneurs in their efforts to serve the community and grow the Michigan economy."
Sitek developed the Pill Pouch to help her 90-year-old mother, Stella, stay compliant with her eight-medication daily regimen. According to Sitek, the Pill Pouch is a simple way to eliminate confusion and organize, manage and better understand the medications one takes. In this way, patients can take control of an otherwise precarious process.
"A lack of medication compliance often leads to additional health issues and drives up the cost of health care," Sitek said. "Although this product is not high-tech, it goes a long way toward helping patients, particularly the elderly, stay on their regimens and stay healthy."
The Pill Pouch is manufactured in metro Detroit.
"We make it a priority to produce our product in Michigan," Sitek added. "Contributing to the health of our state's economy is yet another way we support prevention and wellness."
In conjunction with Pill Pouch's market entry via Meijer pharmacies, Pill Pouch is partnering with local nonprofit the Pink Fund to raise funds for breast cancer. The Pink Fund provides financial aid to breast cancer patients active in treatment. According to Sitek, $1 from the sale of every Pink Pill Pouch will support the Pink Fund's mission.
For more information on improved medication management and how the Pill Pouch can help, visit pillpouch.net, call (313) 288-2055 or email info@pillpouch.net.
