Biologics Inc. has been selected by Lexicon Pharmaceuticals to provide limited distribution of the drug Xermelo.
Xermelo, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Feb. 28, is a tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor. It was created to combine with somatostatin analog therapy in adults for treating carcinoid syndrome diarrhea. The FDA gave Orphan Drug status and Fast Track designation to Xermelo.
In cancer patients, excess serotonin can lead to carcinoid syndrome, which causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, heart valve damage and other serious health issues. Xermelo was shown in Phase III studies to reduce the number of bowel movements in these patients when compared to placebo.
“Battling cancer is hard enough on its own, but these patients also have to live with the debilitating effects of carcinoid syndrome,” Brandon Tom, vice president of Biopharma Services at Biologics, said. “We’re thrilled that this important new therapy is now available and look forward to supporting the clinical, financial and emotional needs of patients taking Xermelo.”
Biologics, an oncology pharmacy services company, is part of McKesson Specialty Health – a division of McKesson Corp.
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