CARY, N.C., August 1, 2019—Biologics by McKesson, an independent specialty pharmacy for oncology and other complex therapeutic areas, was selected by Bayer HealthCare as a specialty pharmacy provider for NUBEQA® (darolutamide) for the treatment of non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC).
NUBEQA, an androgen receptor inhibitor, was approved by the FDA on July 30, 2019, for the treatment of men with prostate cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body and no longer responds to a medical or surgical treatment that lowers testosterone. NUBEQA is different from existing therapies for nmCRPC because it does not cross the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, it has less potential than its predecessors for drug-drug interactions as well as central nervous side effects such as seizures, falls and cognitive impairment. In April 2019, the FDA accepted, with Priority Review, a New Drug Application (NDA) for NUBEQA based on results of the phase 3 ARAMIS trial, in which NUBEQA demonstrated a 59% reduction in the risk of metastases or death compared with placebo in this patient population.
“Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men worldwide with more than 1.2 million men diagnosed in 2018,” said Ann Steagall, BSN, RN, OCN, director of Clinical Policy at Biologics. “We are excited to work with Bayer to help make this new therapy available to patients with this advanced form of prostate cancer where effective treatments have been limited. Designed to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells, NUBEQA has shown to improve metastasis-free survival. Biologics is proud to offer a robust care plan to ensure that patients get the level of care they need.”
Biologics is committed to and recognized for its high level of customer service as well as its innovative, high-touch and multidisciplinary patient-centric approach. Each team includes a pharmacist with in-depth knowledge of therapies, an experienced nurse and a financial counselor who is familiar with various financial assistance programs and organizations that help patients. This highly-skilled care team works together to develop individualized care plans that address each patient’s unique clinical, financial and emotional needs and streamlines communication back to the treating provider, enabling high-quality care and differentiated outcomes. In addition, the Biologics team works closely with payers to ensure patients can access the specialty medications they need.
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 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 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 part of McKesson Life Sciences, 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.