OncologyRx Care Advantage™ Chosen to Fill Prescriptions for Jakafi™ (ruxolitinib)

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Nov. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- OncologyRx Care Advantage, McKesson Specialty Health's oral oncology products specialty pharmacy, has been selected by Incyte Corporation as one of only a limited number of  pharmacies across the U.S. authorized to fill prescriptions for Jakafi (ruxolitinib), an oral prescription medicine used to treat Myelofibrosis (MF) patients.  

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"OncologyRx Care Advantage has a strong focus and commitment to oncologists and cancer patients," said Roger W. Anderson, Dr.P.H., chief pharmacy officer, McKesson Specialty Health. "We are excited that Care Advantage was chosen as one of a limited number of pharmacies to dispense Jakafi. Our oncology expertise and extensive patient care support can lead to better outcomes by helping Myelofibrosis patients better understand their disease and comply with their treatment."

Myelofibrosis is a disorder of the bone marrow, in which the marrow is replaced by scar (fibrous) tissue.  Jakafi received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Nov. 16, and is the only medicine approved by the FDA to treat MF. Until Jakafi's approval, there were few options for patients with MF; some patients have been treated with medicines approved by the FDA to treat other diseases, with limited success.

Care Advantage provides patients with convenient home delivery of oral therapies and the additional support necessary for safe and supervised use of these oral medications. The pharmacy's team of specialists, including pharmacists, oncology certified nurses, and patient access coordinators, provides critical patient support that includes proactive monitoring of compliance, supporting adherence through education, helping with side effect management, and seeking access for co-pay assistance through various cancer foundations.

In addition to Care Advantage, only a select few specialty pharmacies are authorized to dispense Jakafi to patients.

"Care Advantage provides vital services and resources to patients," said Dr. Anderson. "Being chosen to provide this new drug to patients further enhances our ability to support both oncologists and patients battling Myelofibrosis."

About McKesson Specialty Health
McKesson Specialty Health, a division of McKesson Corporation, empowers the community patient care delivery system to advance the science, technology and quality of care. Through innovative clinical, research, business and operational solutions, facilitated by integrated technology systems, we help improve the financial health of our customers and help them provide quality care for patients. For more information, visit www.mckessonspecialtyhealth.com.

About McKesson
McKesson Corporation, currently ranked 15th on the FORTUNE 500, is a healthcare services and information technology company dedicated to making the business of healthcare run better. We partner with payers, hospitals, physician offices, pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies and others across the spectrum of care to build healthier organizations that deliver better care to patients in every setting. McKesson helps its customers improve their financial, operational, and clinical performance with solutions that include pharmaceutical and medical-surgical supply management, healthcare information technology, and business and clinical services. For more information, visit www.mckesson.com.

SOURCE McKesson Specialty Health