Online drug stores link up with Web partners

SEATTLE -- In preparation for upcoming e-retail efforts, two drug chains have announced key Internet partnerships.

Soma.com, CVS's recently acquired e-retail subsidiary, agreed last month to be a participating merchant of Yahoo! Health, the Internet company's comprehensive health content site. Under the agreement-which at press time was set to take effect by the end of July-online visitors to Yahoo! Health can link directly to soma.com to buy prescription and OTC items, as well as consult with a soma.com pharmacist.

"Yahoo! is one of the most popular Web destinations and therefore it makes sense for us to increase our presence on the site," said soma.com president and founder Tom Pigott.

In a separate deal, The Walgreen Co. selected the Mayo Clinic as its primary health information provider for its new Internet pharmacy, which is set to launch in September.

Walgreens.com will be the only online pharmacy to carry Mayo's health information, whose content includes 100 major health topics.

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