Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy Exclusive Distributor for Three Sigma-Tau Drugs

The deal includes Sigma-Tau’s Adagen (pegademase bovine), Cystaran (cysteamine ophthalmic solution), and Matulane (procarbazine hydrochloride). As a result of the agreement, each of these prescription drugs can now be obtained through Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy locations.

Adagen is an intramuscular injection indicated for replacement therapy for adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency in patients with severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) who are not suitable candidates for, or have failed, bone marrow transplantation.

Cystaran is a cystine-depleting agent approved for the treatment of corneal cystine crystal accumulation in patients with cystinosis. Cystaran is currently the only ophthalmic treatment approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cystinosis, a recessive genetic disease that has no cure.

Matulane is an oral antineoplastic agent approved for use in combination with other anticancer drugs for the treatment of patients with Stage III and IV Hodgkin’s disease. The drug is used as part of the MOPP (nitrogen mustard, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone) regimen.

Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy offers a range of services from personalized patient support services to medication management programs for health plans. The company’s expertise also extends to injectable medications and other therapies for complex health conditions.

Walgreens continues to actively grow their Specialty Pharmacy footprint with a number of innovative services that create value for both them and the customer. By optimizing opportunities for touch-points with patients, Walgreens has been able to dramatically affect patient adherence, correspondingly bolstering their bottom line.

Walgreens operates 12 specialty pharmacy locations. Walgreens Specialty revenues are estimated to be $.5 billion annually.