HARAHAN, La., Feb. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- McKesson Specialty, a subsidiary of McKesson Corporation, has been certified by Celgene Corporation as one of a select group of RevAssist(SM) Program contract pharmacies to launch REVLIMID(R) (lenalidomide). To reduce fetal exposure to the drug, REVLIMID is available only through RevAssist, a unique distribution network employing only certified, contracted specialty pharmacies. McKesson Specialty pharmacists have completed required training and are registered with the RevAssist program, which allows them to dispense REVLIMID.
REVLIMID is an oral medication for the treatment of patients with transfusion-dependent anemia due to low- or intermediate-1-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) associated with a missing part of chromosome 5 (known as deletion 5q MDS). Patients with this type of MDS, which can lead to leukemia, may suffer from low red blood cell counts that require treatment with blood transfusions, sometimes weekly. MDS can be deadly, even if it does not progress to leukemia. Clinical data from a Phase II trial of 148 patients demonstrated that REVLIMID can reduce or even eliminate the need for blood transfusions.
REVLIMID can be prescribed only by RevAssist-registered prescribers to RevAssist-registered patients who agree to comply with the program requirements. Physicians will send prescriptions to Celgene, which will then forward them to an approved contract pharmacy that has fulfilled all RevAssist program requirements. To encourage treatment regimen adherence, McKesson Specialty will contact the patient to provide counseling, and a pharmacist or nurse will be available 24/7 to answer questions and address patient concerns. McKesson Specialty will also verify insurance, deductibles and eligibility.
McKesson Specialty provides unequaled nationwide dispensing capabilities and an ability to provide outstanding patient outreach and reimbursement assistance. These strengths help ensure that qualified patients will have access to REVLIMID, as well as the knowledge they need to motivate them to follow the treatment guidelines.
“This relationship represents another landmark for our specialty pharmacy oncology portfolio,” states Brian Tyler, president of McKesson Specialty. “REVLIMID is the first drug to reach the market to treat patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, and we are proud to help launch it.”
McKesson Specialty assists leading pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturers launch and maximize growth in their specialty pharmaceutical products through an integrated array of distribution, reimbursement, clinical and marketing services.
About Celgene
Celgene Corporation, headquartered in Summit, N.J., is an integrated global pharmaceutical company engaged primarily in the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative therapies for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases through gene and protein regulation. For more information, visit www.celgene.com.
About McKesson
McKesson Corporation , is a Fortune 15 healthcare services and information technology company dedicated to helping its customers deliver high-quality healthcare by reducing costs, streamlining processes and improving the quality and safety of patient care. Over the course of its 170-year history, McKesson has grown by providing pharmaceutical and medical-surgical supply management across the spectrum of care; healthcare information technology for hospitals, physicians, homecare and payors; hospital and retail pharmacy automation; and services for manufacturers and payors designed to improve outcomes for patients. For more information, visit us at www.mckesson.com.
About McKesson Specialty
McKesson Specialty (www.mckessonspecialty.com) is a subsidiary of McKesson Corporation. McKesson Specialty delivers the services manufacturers, payors and providers need to ensure pharmaceutical products, coordinated reimbursement, and clinical services are available to patients with complex diseases.
McKesson Specialty
CONTACT: Jodi Amendola of Amendola Communications, +1-480-664-8412, ext.11, jamendola@ACmarketingPR.com, for McKesson Specialty
