Avella selected to distribute new multiple myeloma treatment drug

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited has selected Avella Specialty Pharmacy to distribute NINLARO (ixazomib), a new pharmaceutical drug that is used for treating patients with multiple myeloma.

NINLARO is a FDA-approved oral proteasome inhibitor that blocks certain growth enzymes produced by cancerous cells. The drug is for use in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone for multiple myeloma patients who have received at least one previous round of treatment.

“NINLARO offers patients a new approach — an all-oral triplet regimen — to treating multiple myeloma with a proteasome inhibitor. Avella’s pharmacists will be working closely with patients to ensure that medication adherence and patient safety are maintained throughout the entire treatment,” Vice President of Business Development for Avella Specialty Pharmacy Leslie Yendro said.

Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that develops within a host’s plasma cells. The cells, which create antibodies that help the immune system fight diseases, can produce multiple tumors when infected. NINLARO works by preventing the breakdown of protein in cancerous cells, which in turn causes the cells to die.

“Our commitment to providing expert guidance and ongoing support to patients is one of the reasons why manufacturers continue to turn to Avella in order to distribute breakthrough specialty drugs,” Yendro said.