Mekinist™ (trametinib) & Tafinlar® (dabrafenib) Approved In Combination; Both Limited Distribution Products Immediately Available Via Onco360®

Press Releases


New York – January 16, 2014– The FDA recently approved Mekinist (trametinib) in combination with Tafinlar (dabrafenib) to treat patients with advanced melanoma that is unresectable (cannot be removed by surgery) or metastatic (late-stage)1. Both Mekinist and Tafinlar are only available in limited distribution, and Onco360 is one of the select few pharmacies with access to both medications.

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and consequently, is the leading cause skin cancer deaths. According to National Cancer Institute estimates for 2013, nearly 77,000 Americans would be diagnosed with melanoma, with approximately 9,500 dying from the disease.

Mekinist and Tafinlar are used to block signaling in different sites of the same molecular pathway that promotes cancer cell growth. They are specifically indicated as a combination therapy for patients with melanoma whose tumors express gene mutations called BRAF V600E and V600K1. Clinical trial results for the combination therapy were highly encouraging.

Results showed that 76 percent of participants treated with Mekinist in combination with Tafinlar had their cancer shrink or disappear (objective response) that lasted an average of 10.5 months. In contrast, 54 percent of participants treated with Tafinlar as a single agent experienced objective responses that lasted an average of 5.6 months. Clinical trials are ongoing to determine whether Mekinist in combination with Tafinlar improves survival1.

“Onco360 continues to be recognized as a preferred pharmacy provider for limited distribution medications in the complex arena of cancer care,” said Onco360 CEO Burt Zweigenhaft. “The initial results of this unique combination therapy are very exciting, and we are pleased that our highly trained and experienced pharmacy staff will be able to provide enhanced clinical support for these two products,” Mr. Zweigenhaft added.

For more information about Onco360 please visit Onco360.com.

1.http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm381159.htm


About Onco360®:
With executive offices in New York City, Onco360 (http://onco360.com) is the largest independent provider of Oncology Pharmacy Services in the country. Onco360 was founded in 2003 as OncoMed, The Oncology Pharmacy, to serve the specialized needs of oncologists, patients, hospitals, cancer centers of excellence, manufacturers, health plans, and payers. The company’s clinical and dispensing model was developed specifically to meet the unique needs of oncology-treating physicians and their patients. In its focus to bring together the stakeholders involved in the cancer treatment process, Onco360 is advancing the continuum of oncology pharmaceutical care through patient advocacy, dispensing excellence, and the clinical experience and expertise that comes from its focus in oncology. Onco360 dispenses through its network JCAHO-accredited OncoMed Pharmacies.

 


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