US Bioservices selected by Array BioPharma Inc to dispense combination therapy for BRAF-mutant advanced melanoma

Frisco, Texas – US Bioservices, a specialty pharmacy that is a part of AmerisourceBergen, today announced that it has been selected by Array BioPharma Inc to dispense MEKTOVI® (binimetinib) and BRAFTOVI® (encorafenib). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the combination therapy on June 27, 2018, for the treatment of patients with BRAF-mutant unresectable or metastatic melanoma, the most life-threatening forms of skin cancer. 

There are more than 200,000 new cases of melanoma diagnosed worldwide each year, approximately half of which have BRAF mutations – a mutation that can cause cancer cells to grow at a rapid rate. Melanoma accounts for four percent of incident cancers, and its mortality rate is increasing. Few therapies currently exist for advanced melanoma. Binimetinib, a small molecule MEK inhibitor, and encorafenib, a small molecule BRAF inhibitor, target key enzymes in the MAPK signaling pathway. Inappropriate activation of proteins in this pathway has been shown to occur in many cancers, including melanoma. The combination of binimetinib and encorafenib was shown in clinical trials to be successful in treating patients with BRAF-mutated metastatic melanoma. 

“Patients with aggressive cancers like BRAF-mutant melanoma depend on their care team to deliver the best treatment options in a highly coordinated way,” said Kelly Ratliff, President of US Bioservices. “We have a long history of working with oncologists and have formed collaborative relationships with practices across the country to provide the highest level of pharmacy services to cancer patients.” 

As an independent specialty pharmacy with a dedicated Oncology Patient Support Team, US Bioservices provides high-touch clinical care that is specific to the patient’s needs, conditions and therapies. Developing an integrated approach to patient support helps care providers monitor a patient’s treatment and seamlessly identify adherence barriers. Through the breadth of resources available at AmerisourceBergen, US Bioservices can develop simple solutions to identify nonadherence risks and coordinate with the provider to offer integrated support. For example, US Bioservices has often partnered with sister company ION Solutions to develop nursing outreach programs that proactively manage patients at key milestones in their therapy.

In addition to support from US Bioservices, AmerisourceBergen companies supporting the launch of this combination therapy include ASD Healthcare and Oncology Supply for specialty distribution and ION Solutions for community oncology practice dispensing. Whether a patient presents for care in a health system or community prescriber’s office, patients will be able to fill their prescriptions at their preferred point of care.

This combination therapy is a limited distribution medication that is only available from select specialty pharmacies. Physicians may submit prescriptions to US Bioservices via phone (877-757-0667), fax (888-899-0067), ePrescribe or the MyPathpoint Prescriber Portal.

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