Avella Selected by Otsuka to distribute JYNARQUE

The specialty pharmacy will give patients access to this new therapy for polycystic kidney disease, the only FDA-approved drug available in the US to treat this condition

PHOENIX, April 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Avella announced that it has been selected by Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc., (Otsuka) to distribute JYNARQUE™ (tolvaptan), the very first FDA-approved therapy for patients diagnosed with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Avella is one of just three pharmacies providing access to the medication.

ADPKD is one of the most common, life-threatening genetic diseases, diagnosed in 140,000 Americans. In patients with this condition, fluid-filled cysts develop and enlarge in both kidneys and eventually leading to kidney failure. ADPKD is the fourth leading cause of kidney failure and more than 50 percent of people with this condition will develop kidney failure by age 57.

JYNARQUE is a selective vasopressin V2-receptor antagonist. This means it blocks vasopressin, an anti-diuretic hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, which plays a key role in the fluid balance of the kidneys. By blocking this hormone, the drug can decrease cyst-cell proliferation and fluid secretion, which ultimately can reduce cyst growth. JYNARQUE was shown to reduce the rate of kidney function decline by 35 percent over a 12-month period when compared to a placebo, in patients with ADPKD.

"Avella is proud to be among a very select group of pharmacies extending access to this important therapy, the first of its kind available to treat this condition," said Leslie Yendro, Director of Business Development for Avella. "Since ADPKD can be a painful and debilitating disease for patients, it is exciting to see a new medication is finally available to help support these individuals."

About Avella Specialty Pharmacy
Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Avella Specialty Pharmacy is a National Accredited Specialty Pharmacy, providing individualized care and support to patients since 1996. Avella's clinical pharmacists and staff members are experts in managing complex disease states and providing compassionate care. The company offers a nationwide distribution service to complement its retail locations. In 2016, Avella was named Specialty Pharmacy of the Year by NASP, a nationally recognized pharmacy trade committee. Inc. Magazine's 2017 list of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the country included Avella for the eleventh consecutive year and also recognized Avella as the fastest-growing woman-led company in 2015. In addition, the Arizona Corporate Excellence Awards named Avella Specialty Pharmacy as the second fastest-growing private company based in the state in 2016. For more information, please visit www.avella.com.

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