McKesson Corporation

09/09/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/09/2024 06:01

RYTELOTM FDA Approved for Treatment of Patients with Low to Intermediate 1 Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes MDS with Transfusion dependent Anemia

CARY, N.C., September 9, 2024-Biologics by McKesson, an independent specialty pharmacy specializing in oncology and rare disease areas, was selected by Geron Corporation as a limited specialty pharmacy provider for RYTELOTM (imetelstat) for the treatment of adult patients with low- to intermediate-1 risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) with transfusion-dependent anemia requiring four or more red blood cell units over eight weeks who have not responded to, have lost response to, or are ineligible for erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA).

RYTELO, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on June 6, 2024, is a first-in-class telomerase inhibitor. RYTELO binds to the template region of the RNA component of human telomerase (hTR), inhibiting telomerase enzymatic activity and preventing telomere binding.1 Increased telomerase activity has been reported in MDS malignant stem and progenitor cells.

"As a telomerase inhibitor, RYTELO holds great promise in the fight against transfusion-dependent anemia in LR-MDS," said George Paschal, senior director, business development, Biologics by McKesson. "We are proud to collaborate with Geron Corporation to be a specialty pharmacy provider for RYTELO and provide this vital therapy for valued healthcare providers, and ultimately patients in need."

Biologics by McKesson is committed to and recognized for its level of customer service as well as its innovative, high-touch, and multidisciplinary approach. Putting patients first in all they do, the Biologics' pharmacy team includes pharmacists with in-depth knowledge of therapies, experienced nurses, and financial counselors who are familiar with various financial assistance programs and organizations that help patients.

For the full prescribing information for RYTELO, click here. For more information about the treatment of patients with low- to intermediate-1 risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) with transfusion-dependent anemia, click here.

References:

  1. Geron Corporation. "Rytelo PI." Available at: https://pi.geron.com/products/US/pi/rytelo_pi.pdf

About Biologics by McKesson

Biologics by McKessonis an independent specialty pharmacy with more than 30 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 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.

About McKesson Oncology and Specialty Solutions

It's an unprecedented time for patients living with cancer as life sciences companies race to create new, cutting-edge therapies. With cancer care becoming more targeted, providers, life sciences companies, and payers face a multitude of challenges and complexity in the development of new treatments and making them accessible to patients in need. At McKesson, our unmatched portfolio of oncology businesses and partners provide research, insights, technologies, and services that are helping to address these hurdles and improve cancer and specialty care.

  • McKesson is fueling discovery by helping patients participate in cutting-edge clinical trials closer to home through its joint venture with Sarah Cannon Research Institute.
  • The US Oncology Network and McKesson Provider Solutions are advancing specialty care and high-quality cancer care in the communities where patients live by supporting the practices of thousands of independent, community-based providers.
  • Ontada®, a McKesson business dedicated to oncology, generates real-world data (RWD) and real-world evidence (RWE), and provides clinical education and provider technology to inform and improve cancer care.
  • As a leading distributor of oncology and specialty medicines, we are ensuring medicines make their way to those who are counting on them.
  • And through CoverMyMeds, Biologics by McKesson, and GPO services, our work continues to help patients access, afford, and adhere to their medicines.