Avella Among Select Group of Pharmacies to Distribute Skin Cancer Treatment

Valchlor has been approved for the treatment of stage IA and IB mycosis fungoides-type cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Avella Specialty Pharmacy recently announced that is has been chosen by Actelion as an additional specialty pharmacy authorized to dispense VALCHLOR, the first FDA-approved topical gel formulation of mechlorethamine. Valchlor has been approved for the treatment of stage IA and IB mycosis fungoides-type cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in patients who have received prior skin-directed therapy.

According to the Lymphoma Research Society, mycosis fungoides is the most common type of CTCL, accounting for approximately 16,000 to 20,000 cases of this type of skin cancer in the US. Mechlorethamine is a chemotherapeutic agent previously approved for intravenous treatment of mycosis fungoides. Prior to the approval of Valchlor, there were no FDA-approved topical mechlorethamine products in the market and only pharmacy-compounded preparations were available.

“We are proud to be among this very exclusive group of specialty pharmacies authorized to distribute Valchlor,” said Leslie Yendro, VP, Business Development. “This FDA-approved formulation will give our dermatology provider partners and their patients specialty pharmacy services while offering an extremely effective option to the compounded formulation.”

Avella will work with dermatology providers and their patients on advanced patient services including prior authorization assistance, securing financial support for patients who qualify and dosing adjustments, if needed.

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About Avella Specialty Pharmacy

Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Avella Specialty Pharmacy is a National Accredited Specialty Pharmacy, providing individualized care and support to patients since 1996. Avella's clinical pharmacists and staff members are experts in managing complex disease states and providing compassionate care. The company offers a nationwide distribution service to complement its retail locations. Avella reached 1,772th on Inc. magazine's 2014 list of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the country. In addition, the Arizona Corporate Excellence Awards has named Avella Specialty Pharmacy as the fastest-growing private company based in the state.

SOURCE: Avella Specialty Pharmacy