PANTHERx® Specialty Pharmacy Selected by Insmed to Distribute ARIKAYCE® (amikacin liposome inhalation suspension)

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- PANTHERx^® Specialty Pharmacy, THE Rare Disease Specialty Pharmacy^®, announced that it has been selected by Insmed Incorporated to distribute ARIKAYCE^® (amikacin liposome inhalation suspension), the first and only therapy specifically indicated for the treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease as part of a combination antibacterial drug regimen for adult patients with limited or no alternative treatment options. PANTHERx^® is one of a select few specialty pharmacies providing nationwide access to the medication.

"At PANTHERx^®, we are honored to serve patients by providing hope through vital medications and white-glove care. It is particularly rewarding when PANTHERx^® can provide a therapy to patients who previously had access to limited treatment options, such as those patients living with MAC lung disease," said Dr. Gordon Vanscoy, Chairman and CEO of PANTHERx^®. "We are excited by the opportunity to be a part of the ARIKAYCE network as we work with Insmed to address the needs of this difficult-to-treat population."

About ARIKAYCE^® (amikacin liposome inhalation suspension)
ARIKAYCE is the first and only FDA-approved therapy indicated for the treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease as part of a combination antibacterial drug regimen for adult patients with limited or no alternative treatment options. ARIKAYCE is a novel, inhaled, once-daily formulation of amikacin, an established antibiotic that was historically administered intravenously and associated with severe toxicity to hearing, balance, and kidney function. Insmed's proprietary PULMOVANCE™ liposomal technology enables the delivery of amikacin directly to the lungs, where it is taken up by lung macrophages where the infection resides. This approach prolongs the release of amikacin in the lungs while limiting systemic exposure.  ARIKAYCE is administered once daily using the Lamira™ Nebulizer System manufactured by PARI Pharma GmbH.

The Arikares™ Support Program is available to help patients get started on ARIKAYCE and become familiar with how to use the device. The program also provides assistance with insurance coverage and information on financial support options for eligible patients. Patients prescribed ARIKAYCE^® can call 1-833-ARIKARE to enroll in the support program.

About MAC Lung Disease
Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease is a rare and serious disorder that can significantly increase morbidity and mortality. Patients with MAC lung disease can experience a range of symptoms that often worsen over time, including chronic cough, dyspnea, fatigue, fever, weight loss, and chest pain. In some cases, MAC lung disease can cause severe, even permanent damage to the lungs, and can be fatal.

MAC lung disease is an emerging public health concern worldwide with significant unmet needs. Current guideline-based treatment involves the use of multi-drug regimens that are not specifically approved for MAC lung disease. The course of treatment is often two years or more and is inadequate in treating the disease in many patients.

For more information about RareCare^™ services for patients with MAC, contact us at 888-299-3950 or email [email protected].

About PANTHERx^® Specialty Pharmacy
PANTHERx^® Specialty Pharmacy, THE Rare Disease Specialty Pharmacy^®, is the industry leading, independent national specialty pharmacy headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. PANTHERx^® Specialty's mission is to transform lives by delivering medical breakthroughs, clinical excellence, and access solutions to patients afflicted with rare and devastating conditions. Every day we create ways to Reinvent Specialty, Revolutionize Pharmacy, and Redefine Care^®, by developing focused solutions, bold innovations, and novel clinical services associated with the life-transforming therapies that we deliver.

PANTHERx^® was awarded 2018 Specialty Pharmacy of the Year by the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy as well as the American Pharmacy Purchasing Alliance. Zitter Health Insights awarded PANTHERx^® the Specialty Pharmacy Patient Choice Award winner for both 2017 and 2018. Additionally, PANTHERx^® was ranked #49 in the 2018 Inc. 5000 List of Fastest Growing Companies in the nation (top 100 for the last three years) and a Best Place to Work in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare magazine for 2018.

SOURCE PANTHERx Specialty Pharmacy