McKesson Specialty Health Selected by Tesaro to Provide Zejula
McKesson Specialty Health has played a significant role in the recent approval of Tesaro's Zejula.
The Woodlands, Texas (May 12, 2017) — McKesson Specialty Health, a division of McKesson Corporation that works together with stakeholders across the healthcare delivery system to preserve and strengthen specialty care, has played a significant role in the recent approval of ZEJULATM (niraparib). Approximately ten practices affiliated with US Oncology Research, one of the largest community-based oncology research programs in the United States supported by McKesson Specialty Health, participated in the clinical trial that led to approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on March 27, 2017. ZEJULA marks the 66th FDA approval in which US Oncology Research has contributed.
ZEJULA is a poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, for the maintenance treatment of adult patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer who are in complete or partial response to platinum-based chemotherapy. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 22,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2017. Historically, there have been few treatment options for women with advanced ovarian cancer.
Clinical trial results demonstrated that treatment with ZEJULA reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 74% in patients with germline BRCA mutations (HR 0.26) and by 55% in patients without germline BRCA mutations (HR 0.45).
“The FDA approval for ZEJULA differs from the approval of the other 2 PARP inhibitors in that it is indicated in “all comers”. A unique molecular signature is not required for use,” said Bradley J. Monk, MD, FACS, FACOG, who was part of the development process as the clinical trial study was designed, enrolled, analyzed and published. “Although biomarkers are important in predicting clinical activity, the efficacy of ZEJULA is so broad that a companion diagnostic is not mandatory. However, germline BRCA testing is still important in identifying families at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.” Dr. Monk is an oncologist with Arizona Oncology, an affiliate of The US Oncology Network and US Oncology Research.
McKesson Specialty Health was also selected by TESARO as one of ZEJULA’s distributors of choice for in-office dispensing practices. Additionally, Biologics, Inc., a McKesson Specialty Health oncology pharmacy services company, was selected to be a specialty pharmacy provider in the ZEJULA distribution network. Eligible Onmark and Unity GPO members also have access to contract pricing.
In-office dispensing practices looking to access ZEJULA can place orders via McKesson Specialty Health’s Customer Center or by contacting their Customer Care team at 800.482.6700. 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.
