CARY, N.C. (March 1, 2017) —Biologics, Inc. has been selected by Lexicon Pharmaceuticals to be a specialty pharmacy provider in the limited distribution network for XERMELO (telotristat ethyl).
Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on February 28, 2017, XERMELO is a tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of carcinoid syndrome diarrhea in combination with somatostatin analog (SSA) therapy in adults inadequately controlled by SSA therapy. XERMELO received Orphan Drug status and Fast Track designation from the FDA.
Carcinoid syndrome is triggered by excess serotonin produced within mNET cells and can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, heart valve damage and other serious health issuesi. XERMELO is the first oral therapy to specifically target tryptophan hydroxylase, an enzyme that triggers the excess serotonin production within mNET cells, without affecting beneficial brain serotonin productionii.
In the double-blind phase III TELESTAR study, data showed that patients who received XERMELO added to somatostatin analog therapy experienced a statistically significant reduction in the average number of daily bowel movements compared to placebo, as well as lower frequency of flushing episodes and less intense abdominal painii.
“Battling cancer is hard enough on its own, but these patients also have to live with the debilitating effects of carcinoid syndrome,” said Brandon Tom, vice president, Biopharma Services at Biologics, Inc. “We’re thrilled that this important new therapy is now available and look forward to supporting the clinical, financial and emotional needs of patients taking XERMELO.”
Biologics’ oncology specialty pharmacy is supported by a multidisciplinary care team that includes a pharmacist, oncology nurse and financial counselor. Individualized care plans are developed to address the unique needs of each patient and to streamline communication back to the treating provider.
Physicians may submit prescriptions to Biologics via phone (800.850.4306), fax (800.823.4506) or eScribe. For electronic prescribing systems, physicians may search for Biologics within their EMR system.
About Biologics
Biologics, Inc. is an oncology pharmacy services company that empowers healthcare providers, payers and biopharma to optimize cancer care for the best possible outcomes – clinical, financial and emotional. Unifying fragmented healthcare services, Biologics brings efficiency and humanity to oncology care management by focusing on the patient’s best interest as the surest path to managing cost and risk.
Biologics is part of McKesson Specialty Health, a division of McKesson Corporation empowering the community patient care delivery system by helping community practices advance the science, technology and quality of care. Through innovative clinical research, business and operational solutions, facilitated by integrated technology systems, we focus on improving the financial health of our customers so they may provide the best care to their patients. Our combined organization will help better support patients and expedite access to oncology therapies. For more information, visit www.McKessonspecialtyhealth.com and www.biologicsinc.com.
i http://www.ascopost.com/issues/november-10-2015/telotristat-etiprate-added-to-standard-therapy-for-carcinoid-syndrome-shows-clinical-benefit-in-patients-with-metastatic-neuroendocrine-tumors/
ii http://www.lexpharma.com/pipeline/telotristat-etiprate