Avella Selected by Bayer HealthCare to Distribute Nexavar and Stivarga

PRESS RELEASE

February 19, 2015, Phoenix, AZ - Avella Specialty Pharmacy announced today that it has been selected by Bayer HealthCare as one of the limited group of specialty pharmacies authorized to distribute two of the manufacturer’s oral oncology drugs—Nexavar

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(sorafenib) and Stivarga

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(regorafenib).

Nexavar is an oral medication used to treat certain cancers of the thyroid, kidney and liver. In fact, the latest FDA indication is the first and only medication used to treat late-stage (metastatic) differentiated thyroid cancer, which is progressing and can no longer be treated with radioactive iodine treatment. The FDA approved Nexavar to treat advanced kidney cancer in 2005. In 2007, the agency expanded the drug’s label to treat liver cancer that cannot be surgically removed, and in late 2013, the drug was further approved to treat metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer.

Stivarga is also an oral medication used to treat a variety of gastrointestinal cancers that have spread to other parts of the body, in patients who have previously received treatment with other specific chemotherapy agents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and in women and the third leading cause of cancer death in men and in women in the United States. Stivarga was approved by the FDA for this indication in 2012.

Avella is frequently selected by drug manufacturers to offer limited distribution drugs based on the company’s focus on clinical expertise, patient education, high-touch service and provider support. For example, Avella works on behalf of patients and providers to document and submit prior authorizations, ensuring that individuals with health insurance have more affordable access to medications. In addition, the pharmacy has secured millions of dollars in financial assistance for patients through non-profit and drug manufacturer discount programs. Most importantly, Avella’s highly-trained staff members have specific expertise in offering ongoing support and guidance to patients who are dealing with serious and complex health conditions.

“Avella is pleased to be able to manage patients prescribed Nexavar and Stivarga by oncology health care providers,” said Leslie Yendro, RN, Vice President of Business Development for Avella Specialty Pharmacy. “Our top priority is to ensure patients understand how to take these medications correctly and safely so they can gain the full benefit of the therapy. That’s why Avella’s focus on patient care and clinical excellence makes us an ideal specialty pharmacy partner for distributing innovative drugs like Nexavar and Stivarga.”

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. For more information, please visit www.avella.com.