AYVAKIT™ (avapritinib), FDA Approved for Treatment of PDGFRA Exon 18 Mutant GIST, Available at Biologics by McKesson

CARY, N.C., Jan. 17, 2020—Biologics by McKesson, an independent specialty pharmacy for oncology and other rare and complex therapeutic areas, has been selected by Blueprint Medicines Corporation as a specialty pharmacy provider for AYVAKIT^TM (avapritinib) for the treatment of adults with unresectable or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) harboring a PDGFRA exon 18 mutation, including PDGFRA D842V mutations.

AYVAKIT, approved by the FDA on January 9, 2020, is a KIT and PDGFRA inhibitor. In August 2019, the FDA accepted, with Priority Review, a New Drug Application (NDA) for AYVAKIT. Previously, the FDA granted avapritinib Breakthrough Therapy Designation for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic GIST harboring the PDGFRA D842V mutation, which is the most common PDGFRA exon 18 mutation.

“We are pleased to make this important new therapy available as there are currently no effective therapies for PDGFRA exon 18 mutant GIST,” said Brandon Tom, VP of Commercial Services at Biologics. “With access to all oral treatments for GIST, the addition of AYVAKIT to the Biologics portfolio enables us to offer providers — and their patients — a comprehensive suite of treatments. This will maintain continuity of care and help patients stay with their care team throughout their treatment journey, even if they switch therapies.”

Biologics specialty pharmacy 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 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 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.