CARY, N.C., March 2, 2022 —Biologics by McKesson, an independent specialty pharmacy specializing in oncology and rare disease areas, was selected by Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc. as a specialty pharmacy provider for PYRUKYND® (mitapivat) for the treatment of hemolytic anemia in adults with pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency. PYRUKYND is the first and only approved disease-modifying therapy for this rare, debilitating, lifelong hemolytic anemia.
PYRUKYND, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Feb. 17, 2022, is an orally administered, small molecule, pyruvate kinase activator. PYRUKYND was reviewed by the FDA under Priority Review, which is granted to investigational medicines that treat a serious condition and offer significant improvements in safety or effectiveness. PYRUKYND was previously granted Orphan Drug designation by the FDA, a status for medicines intended to treat rare diseases that affect fewer than 200,000 individuals.
“Patients with PK deficiency currently manage their condition with red blood cell transfusions and splenectomy, which are both associated with short-and long-term risks,” said Ashleigh Burdette, senior director of Clinical Innovation at Biologics. “We are honored to work with Agios to make this important new oral treatment available as the first therapy approved for PK deficiency. Biologics is proud to offer a robust care plan to ensure that these patients get the level of care they need.”
“At Agios, we are driven by the possibility of making a positive impact on people’s lives. After more than a decade of research in PK activation, the approval of PYRUKYND is an exciting and meaningful moment, and we’re committed to continuing to innovate, support and partner with the PK deficiency community,” said Richa Poddar, chief commercial officer at Agios. “Biologics is a terrific partner who shares our goal of providing a seamless experience for patients to access PYRUKYND and offering the highest level of care and service to each individual.”
Biologics specialty pharmacy is committed to and recognized for its level of customer service as well as its innovative, high-touch and multidisciplinary patient-centric approach. Each team includes pharmacists with in-depth knowledge of therapies, experienced nurses and financial counselors who are familiar with various financial assistance programs and organizations that help patients.
For adult patients with PK Deficiency, Agios created myAgios® Patient Support Services to offer a single point of engagement for prescription and access support. To facilitate prescription fulfilment through a centralized enrollment for eligible patients, physicians should download the PYRUKYND® Commercial Enrollment Form to submit prescriptions to myAgios Patient Support Services® via fax (800.951.7814). The hours of operation for myAgios are Monday through Friday 8am to 6pm ET where a dedicated, clinically experienced patient support manager will be available as a single point of contact to navigate the treatment initiation process.
About Biologics by McKesson
Biologics by McKesson is an independent specialty pharmacy with more than 25 years of experience connecting patients to life-changing medications in oncology and other rare and complex therapeutic areas. Built on the foundation of deep clinical expertise and a high-touch approach to patient care, Biologics delivers seamless access and personalized engagement, so patients get the most out of the care they receive. As a business within McKesson Corporation, Biologics harnesses unparalleled reach and connectivity across the healthcare system to connect the dots between payers, providers and biopharma, so together, they can deliver better care and outcomes for every patient.