Avella Selected by Novartis Pharmaceuticals to Distribute Farydak

PRESS RELEASE

February 27, 2015, Phoenix, AZ-- Avella Specialty Pharmacy announced today that it has been selected by Novartis Pharmaceuticals to be among a highly select group authorized to distribute Farydak (panobinostat), a breakthrough new treatment for multiple myeloma. Farydak is FDA approved for use in combination with bortezomib, a chemotherapy drug, and dexamethasone, an anti-inflammatory medication.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that forms in a specific type of white blood cell. These cancerous plasma cells multiply rapidly, accumulating in the bone marrow where they crowd out healthy blood cells. The cancer cells then produce abnormal proteins that lead to frequent infections, bone pain and thinning, anemia and kidney problems. Farydak works by inhibiting the activity of certain enzymes related to this process known as histone deacetylases (HDACs). As such, it can slow the over-development of plasma cells or cause the cells to die. Farydak is the very first HDAC inhibitor approved to treat multiple myeloma.

According to the National Cancer Institute, only 21,700 Americans are diagnosed with multiple myeloma yet 10,710 die from the disease annually. As a result of the clear need for improved clinical therapies to manage this condition, the FDA granted Farydak priority review and orphan drug product designation. Priority reviews expedite approvals for drugs designed for serious medical conditions and which offer significant improvement over available therapies. The orphan product designation provides financial incentives for manufacturers to develop and distribute new therapies for rare conditions.

Farydak is intended for patients who have received at least two prior standard therapies including bortezomib and an immunomodulatory agent.

“Avella is proud to have been selected by Novartis to distribute Farydak based on our proven ability to effectively manage innovative therapies for patients in need of clinical support, therapy education and premier dispensing services,” said Leslie Yendro, RN, Vice President of Business Development for Avella Specialty Pharmacy. “Our relentless focus on clinical excellence continues to position us as a preferred partner for manufacturers supplying limited distribution drugs.”

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.