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DALLAS and NEW YORK — BioScrip Inc. and Access Pharmaceuticals Inc. have entered a specialty distribution agreement for Access’ lead product, MuGard.
MuGard is a Food and Drug Administration-approved, ready-to-use mucoadhesive oral wound rinse for the management of oral mucositis, a debilitating side effect of radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. According to Access, up to 40% of all patients receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy develop moderate to severe mucositis, and almost all patients receiving radiotherapy for head and neck cancer and those undergoing stem cell transplantation develop mucositis.
Access said Monday that the exclusive agreement gives it comprehensive access to BioScrip’s nationwide distribution platform as well as the ability to leverage BioScrip’s extensive physician relationships, 110 specialty pharmacies, mail distribution capability and diversified payor network.
"As one of the largest, top-tier players in this space, BioScrip is well-established, reputable and focused on tailoring its programs to best fit and meet product manufacturers, provider and payers and patients’ pharmacy service needs," Frank Jacobucci, vice president of sales and marketing for Access Pharmaceuticals, said in a statement. "In addition to the varied services that they will provide us, this partnership also results in multiple delivery options for patients in need of MuGard, including overnight delivery, home delivery and live retail pharmacy sites in the top metropolitan areas. We believe offering various methods of receiving MuGard can significantly increase patient compliance and ultimately provide an important additional weapon to help improve the treatment outcome."
BioScrip provides specialty and retail pharmacy services along with pharmacy benefit management, infusion and other health care services. It operates a network of 33 retail community pharmacies in 17 states and the District of Columbia.
"BioScrip is proud to have been selected by Access to be its exclusive distribution and service partner for MuGard," commented Scott Friedman, senior vice president of trade relations and business development for BioScrip. "Our vast clinical, sales and operational specialty pharmacy assets, combined with our deep oncology experience, put us in a unique position to provide services to the patient, manufacturer, provider and payor communities."
The global market for the treatment of oral mucositis is estimated to be over $1 billion, according to Access.
"Signing a strong specialty distribution partner is a critical milestone for a successful entrance into the U.S. market," stated Jeffrey Davis, chief executive officer of Access Pharmaceuticals. "With its significant resources, deep capabilities and strong commitment to cancer patients, BioScrip is an ideal partner to have in place as we continue executing on our global-commercialization strategy for MuGard."
