MALVERN, Pa., May 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Myobloc(R) (Botulinum Toxin Type B) Injectable Solution, marketed by Solstice Neurosciences Inc., has received coverage equivalent to that of Allergan's BOTOX(R) (Botulinum Toxin Type A) Purified Neurotoxin Complex for Noridian's Medicare beneficiaries in 11 States (Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming). The newly combined Local Coverage Determination (LCD) goes into effect for patients treated on or after May 1, 2006.
The policy provides for additional diagnoses for which MYOBLOC can be reimbursed compared to prior policy. The revised LCD provides expanded access and choice to physicians treating patients. Medicare providers in any one of the 11 states can visit the Noridian carrier website at http://www.noridianmedicare.com for more information.
There are now 37 states that allow for equal coverage of MYOBLOC and BOTOX(R) for Medicare beneficiaries.
Dr. Pinky Agarwal of Colorado Neurological Institute, in Denver, Colorado commented, "based on Noridian's decision, reimbursement will no longer be an impediment to providing optimal patient care."
About Cervical Dystonia
Cervical Dystonia (CD), also known as spasmodic torticollis, is a condition that primarily affects the muscles of the head and neck (the cervical area of the spine). Cervical dystonia is the most common dystonia requiring referral to movement disorder clinics. The neck muscles contract involuntarily causing abnormal movements and positions of both the head and neck. Muscle spasms in the neck often cause great pain, contributing significantly to the disability caused by the disorder. While the exact cause of CD is unknown, scientists believe the problem originates in the basal ganglia area of the brain that is instrumental in movement. Dystonia has an estimated prevalence of over 300,000 cases in North America. However, it is believed, that as few as 5% of these cases have been correctly diagnosed. Treatment is aimed at relaxing contracted muscles and reducing pain. In general, there are three main approaches to the treatment of CD: oral medications, surgery, and toxin therapy.
About Noridian Administrative Services LLC:
Noridian Administrative Services (NAS) serves Part A and B Medicare providers and beneficiaries throughout the western United States. NAS is also the designated carrier for the Competitive Acquisition Program for Part B Drugs and Biologicals. For more information about Noridian Administrative Services, visit http://www.noridianmedicare.com
About Solstice Neurosciences, Inc.:
Founded in 2004, Solstice Neurosciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacturing, sales and marketing of specialty products. Solstice's first product, Myobloc(R) (Botulinum Toxin Type B) Injectable Solution 5,000U/mL, represents the only botulinum toxin type B currently available to physicians and patients worldwide. MYOBLOC is sold in the United States and approved in Canada. It is also sold and distributed in Europe as NeuroBloc(R). MYOBLOC is indicated for the treatment of patients with cervical dystonia (CD) to reduce the severity of abnormal head position and pain associated with CD. For more information about Solstice Neurosciences, Inc., visit http://www.solsticeneuro.com
MYOBLOC is a registered trademark of Solstice Neurosciences, Inc.
Solstice Neurosciences, Inc.CONTACT: Diane Murray, Director-Business Operations & Communications,+1-866-220-5042, or Direct, +1-267-620-8056, diane.murray@solsticeneuro.com
Web site: http://www.solsticeneuro.com//
