OptiMed Health Partners to Distribute New ALS Drug
Radicava is the first ALS treatment option approved in more than 20 years.
Kalamazoo, Michigan, August 10, 2017 (Newswire.com) - OptiMed Health Partners will distribute and administer the newly approved Radicava (edaravone) for the treatment of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Radicava, manufactured by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma American, Inc., was granted orphan drug designation by the FDA and is the first ALS treatment option approved in more than 20 years.
ALS is a rare, progressive disease that attacks and kills the nerve cells that control voluntary muscles. Voluntary muscles produce movements such as chewing, walking, breathing and talking. When nerve cells lose the ability to activate specific muscles, the muscles weaken which may lead to paralysis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 12,000 to 15,000 Americans have ALS. Radicava is an intravenous infusion that will be administered by OptiMed’s infusion professionals.
“This is the first new medication to treat ALS in decades and we are very excited about the potential this medication has to positively impact the care of patients with this debilitating disease,” said Andy Reeves, RPh, CEO of OptiMed Health Partners. “This new treatment option aligns well with our commitment to optimizing patient outcomes and advancing care.”
OptiMed Health Partners is the parent organization of OptiMed Specialty Pharmacy and OptiMed Infusion Services, located in Kalamazoo, Mich. OptiMed works collaboratively with patients and prescribers to provide a comprehensive approach to patient care, ensuring that medications such as Radicava are administered safely and appropriately for each patient. Patients are provided with customized education, access to financial assistance, and ongoing monitoring and support.
OptiMed holds dual specialty pharmacy accreditations from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) and URAC as well as Ambulatory Infusion Center and Infusion Pharmacy accreditations from ACHC.
For more information, contact OptiMed at 877-232-2857 or visit www.optimedspecialtyrx.com.