Biologics, Inc., a McKesson Specialty Health oncology and complex care pharmacy services company, has been selected by the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson1 to be in the limited distribution network for ERLEADA™ (apalutamide), the first FDA-approved treatment for non-metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer (NM-CRPC). The addition of this critical patient therapy brings the total number of oncology and supportive therapies accessible through Biologics to 115.
ERLEADA is a next-generation androgen receptor inhibitor2 for the treatment of patients with NM-CRPC with the goal of delaying metastases. Approval is based on an FDA Priority Review of Phase 3 SPARTAN clinical trial data,3 which showed that ERLEADA decreased the risk of distant metastasis or death by 72 percent and improved median metastasis-free survival by more than two years in patients with NM-CRPC.
The major efficacy outcome was supported by statistically significant improvements for secondary endpoints, including time to metastasis, progression-free survival, and time to symptomatic progression. The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
“We’re delivering this important new drug to patients living with prostate cancer, and physicians nationwide now have an important and much-needed treatment option that has been shown to delay the progression of castration-resistant prostate cancer,” said Brandon Tom, vice president, Biopharma Services, McKesson Specialty Health.
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 oncology therapies, an experienced oncology nurse and a financial counselor who is familiar with various financial assistance programs and organizations that help cancer 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.