VALLEY FORGE, Pa. — AmerisourceBergen Corp. and the Compliant Pharmacy Alliance Cooperative (CPA) have detailed a new nine-year distribution pact for prescription drugs and over-the-counter products.

AmerisourceBergen will also offer the 1,225-member pharmacy cooperative access to an array of initiatives to support pharmacists as they work toward fair reimbursement and enhanced patient outcomes.

“Our members have made it clear they need highly competitive partners who provide valuable resources that boost their efforts to improve patient care and grow their businesses,” said Jay Blackburn, chief executive officer of CPA. “With AmerisourceBergen, we are continuing and expanding a relationship with an industry leader that is committed to providing solutions to do just this.”

At its annual ThoughtSpot conference in 2015, AmerisourceBergen announced the creation of the Elevate Provider Network — an array of new capabilities to support independent pharmacists. These include access to a patient engagement center that supports medication adherence and improved CMS Star Ratings, as well as tools designed to improve claims reconciliation, front-end sales and pharmacy financial management.

Additionally, AmerisourceBergen has leveraged its marketplace position to ensure that independent pharmacies have access to newly launched OTCs on the same day as large pharmacy chains.

“Independent pharmacists are essential resources for communities across the country, and the health of their businesses is vital for the millions of patients who depend on them for medication access and high-quality care,” said Robert Mauch, president of AmerisourceBergen Drug Corp. “CPA vigorously advocates for independent pharmacies, and we are proud to work with them to ensure their members and our customers have the tools and resources they need to thrive in today’s dynamic health care ­environment.”

CPA and AmerisourceBergen said their new, longer contract indicates a shared commitment to supporting independent pharmacists.