Bristol-Myers Squibb Announces Specialty Pharmacy Patient Management Programs For Sprycel® (dasatinib) Patients

PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) and Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. today announced the launch of patient management programs for Sprycel^® (dasatinib) patients with a select group of specialty pharmacy providers. The specialty pharmacies include Accredo, CuraScript, Diplomat, Biologics and Avella (formerly The Apothecary Shops). The distribution of Sprycel will remain open to other specialty and retail pharmacies.

These patient management programs are consistent with Bristol-Myers Squibb’s customer-centric strategy and will mark an important initiative within Bristol-Myers Squibb.

“Bristol-Myers Squibb is committed to supporting Sprycel patients and empowering them to take an active role in managing their health,” said John Tsai, vice president, U.S. Medical, Bristol-Myers Squibb. “We are excited to introduce these additional patient-centric programs that help support appropriate medication management.”

Specialty pharmacies are uniquely positioned to provide support services to patients for oral oncology medications. They also play an important role in the management of oncology patients through trained clinical staff who provide education and outreach that may help patients stay adherent to prescribed therapies. Bristol-Myers Squibb and Otsuka believe these services are critically important in oncology.

“Bristol-Myers Squibb is committed to providing support to cancer patients to help ensure they have access to the medications they need,” said Murdo Gordon, senior vice president, U.S. Oncology Division, Bristol-Myers Squibb. “Collaborative patient management programs with organizations such as specialty pharmacies are an extension of that commitment.”

Bristol-Myers Squibb’s agreements with specialty pharmacy providers are an important addition to its existing suite of patient support services such as My Sprycel^® (dasatinib) Support, which offers Sprycel patients a variety of tools designed to keep patients informed about their treatment with Sprycel and motivated to stay involved in their care, in close collaboration with their healthcare provider. To learn more about this program, please visit www.Sprycel.com or call 1-877-526-7334.

Sprycel is indicated for the treatment of adults with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase. The effectiveness of Sprycel is based on cytogenic and major molecular response rates. The trial is ongoing and further data will be required to determine long-term outcome.

Sprycel is associated with the following warnings and precautions: myelosuppression; bleeding-related events; fluid retention; QT prolongation; congestive heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction, and myocardial infarction; pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH); and use in pregnancy. Please read the Important Safety Information section below.

About SPRYCEL

Sprycel was first approved for the treatment of adults with CML who are resistant or intolerant to prior therapy including imatinib in 2006 by the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA). At that time, Sprycel was also approved for adults with Ph+ ALL who are resistant or intolerant to prior therapy. Sprycel is now approved and marketed worldwide for these indications in over 60 countries including the European Union (EU), Japan and Canada.

Sprycel is also an FDA-approved treatment for adults with newly diagnosed chronic phase CML (since October 2010). Sprycel received accelerated FDA approval for this indication. The effectiveness of Sprycel is based on cytogenetic response and major molecular response rates. The first-line trial (known as DASISION) is ongoing and further data will be required to determine long-term outcome. Additional country approvals for this indication total over 50.

About Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

CML is a slow-growing type of leukemia in which the body produces an uncontrolled number of abnormal white blood cells. According to the most recent statistics, about 26,300 people are living with the disease in the United States. It is estimated that 5,430 new cases will be diagnosed in 2012. CML occurs when pieces of two different chromosomes break off and attach to each other. The new chromosome is called the Philadelphia chromosome, which contains an abnormal gene called bcr-abl gene. This gene produces the BCR-ABL protein, that signals cells to make too many white blood cells. There is no known cause for the genetic change that causes CML.

SPRYCEL INDICATIONS & IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION INDICATIONS

Sprycel is indicated for the treatment of adults with:

• Newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase. The effectiveness of SPRYCEL is based on cytogenetic and major molecular response rates. The trial is ongoing and further data will be required to determine long-term outcome
• Chronic, accelerated, or myeloid or lymphoid blast phase Ph+ CML with resistance or intolerance to prior therapy including imatinib
• Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) with resistance or intolerance to prior therapy

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Myelosuppression:

• Treatment with SPRYCEL can cause severe (NCI CTC Grade 3/4) thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and anemia, occurring more frequently in advanced phase CML or Ph+ ALL than in chronic phase CML. Myelosuppression was reported in patients with normal baseline laboratory values as well as in patients with pre-existing laboratory abnormalities
  • Perform complete blood counts (CBCs) weekly for the first 2 months and then monthly thereafter, or as clinically indicated
  • Myelosuppression was generally reversible and usually managed by dose interruption, dose reduction, or discontinuation
  • Hematopoietic growth factor has been used in patients with resistant myelosuppression

Bleeding Related Events:

• SPRYCEL caused platelet dysfunction in vitro and thrombocytopenia in humans
  • In all clinical trials, severe central nervous system (CNS) hemorrhage, including fatalities, occurred in 1% of patients. Severe gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage, including fatalities, occurred in 4% of patients receiving SPRYCEL, which generally required treatment interruptions and transfusions. Other cases of severe hemorrhage occurred in 2% of patients
• Most bleeding events were associated with severe thrombocytopenia
  • Exercise caution in patients required to take medications that inhibit platelet function or anticoagulants

Fluid Retention:

• SPRYCEL is associated with fluid retention
  • In clinical trials fluid retention was severe in up to 10% of patients. Ascites (<1%), generalized edema (<1%), and severe pulmonary
    edema (1%) were also reported
• Patients who develop symptoms suggestive of pleural effusion such as dyspnea or dry cough should be evaluated by chest X-ray
• Severe pleural effusion may require thoracentesis and oxygen therapy
• Fluid retention was typically managed by supportive care measures that included diuretics or short courses of steroids

QT Prolongation:

• In vitro data suggest that SPRYCEL has the potential to prolong cardiac ventricular repolarization (QT interval)
• In 865 patients with leukemia treated with SPRYCEL in five phase 2 single-arm studies, the maximum mean changes in QTcF (90% upper bound CI) from baseline ranged from 7.0 ms to 13.4 ms
• In clinical trials of CML patients treated with SPRYCEL (N=2440), 15 patients (<1%) had QTc prolongation as an adverse reaction. Twenty-two patients (1%) experienced a QTcF >500 ms
• Administer SPRYCEL with caution to patients who have or may develop prolongation of QTc, including patients with hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, or congenital long QT syndrome and patients taking anti-arrhythmic drugs, other medicinal products that lead to QT prolongation, and cumulative high-dose anthracycline therapy
  • Correct hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia prior to SPRYCEL administration

Congestive Heart Failure, Left Ventricular Dysfunction, and Myocardial Infarction:

Cardiac adverse reactions were reported in 5.8% of 258 patients taking SPRYCEL, including 1.6% of patients with cardiomyopathy, heart failure congestive, diastolic dysfunction, fatal myocardial infarction, and left ventricular dysfunction. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms consistent with cardiac dysfunction and treat appropriately.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH):

SPRYCEL may increase the risk of developing PAH, which may occur anytime after initiation, including after more than one year of treatment. Manifestations include dyspnea, fatigue, hypoxia, and fluid retention. PAH may be reversible on discontinuation of SPRYCEL. Evaluate patients for signs and symptoms of underlying cardiopulmonary disease prior to initiating SPRYCEL and during treatment. If PAH is confirmed SPRYCEL should be permanently discontinued.

Use in Pregnancy:

SPRYCEL may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of SPRYCEL in pregnant women. Women of childbearing potential should be advised of the potential hazard to the fetus and to avoid becoming pregnant when taking SPRYCEL.

Nursing Mothers:

It is unknown whether SPRYCEL is excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue SPRYCEL.

Drug Interactions:

SPRYCEL is a CYP3A4 substrate and a weak time-dependent inhibitor of CYP3A4

• Drugs that may increase SPRYCEL plasma concentrations are:
  • CYP3A4 inhibitors: Concomitant use of SPRYCEL and drugs that inhibit CYP3A4 should be avoided. If administration of a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor cannot be avoided, close monitoring for toxicity and a SPRYCEL dose reduction or temporary discontinuation should be considered
    • Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (eg, ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, atazanavir, indinavir, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, telithromycin, voriconazole). If SPRYCEL must be administered with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, a dose decrease should be considered
    • Grapefruit juice may also increase plasma concentrations of SPRYCEL and should be avoided
• Drugs that may decrease SPRYCEL plasma concentrations are:
  • CYP3A4 inducers: If SPRYCEL must be administered with a CYP3A4 inducer, a dose increase in SPRYCEL should be considered.
    • Strong CYP3A4 inducers (eg, dexamethasone, phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin, rifabutin, phenobarbital), should be avoided. Alternative agents with less enzyme induction potential should be considered. If the dose of SPRYCEL is increased, the patient should be monitored carefully for toxicity
    • St John’s Wort may decrease SPRYCEL plasma concentrations unpredictably and should be avoided
  • Antacids. Antacids may decrease SPRYCEL drug levels. Simultaneous administration of SPRYCEL and antacids should be avoided. If antacid therapy is needed, the antacid dose should be administered at least 2 hours prior to or 2 hours after the dose of SPRYCEL
  • H₂ antagonists/proton pump inhibitors, such as famotidine and omeprazole. Long-term suppression of gastric acid secretion by use of H₂ antagonists or proton pump inhibitors is likely to reduce SPRYCEL exposure. Therefore, concomitant use of H₂ antagonists or proton pump inhibitors with SPRYCEL is not recommended

• Drugs that may have their plasma concentration altered by SPRYCEL are:
  • CYP3A4 substrates such as simvastatin. CYP3A4 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index should be administered with caution in patients receiving SPRYCEL

Adverse Reactions:

The safety data reflect exposure to SPRYCEL in 258 patients with newly diagnosed chronic phase CML in a clinical study (median duration of therapy was 18 months) and in 2182 patients with imatinib resistant or intolerant CML or Ph+ ALL in clinical studies (minimum of 2 years follow-up).

The majority of SPRYCEL -treated patients experienced adverse reactions at some time. Patients aged 65 years and older are more likely to experience toxicity. In the newly diagnosed chronic phase CML study, SPRYCEL was discontinued for adverse reactions in 6% of patients. In patients resistant or intolerant to prior imatinib therapy, SPRYCEL was discontinued for adverse reactions in 15% patients in chronic phase, 16% in accelerated phase, 15% in myeloid blast phase, 8% in lymphoid blast phase CML, and 8% in Ph+ ALL.

• In newly diagnosed chronic phase CML patients:
  • The most frequently reported serious adverse reactions included pleural effusion (2%), hemorrhage (2%), congestive heart failure (1%), and pyrexia (1%)
  • The most frequently reported adverse reactions (reported in ≥10% of patients) included myelosuppression, fluid retention events (pleural effusion, superficial localized edema, generalized edema), diarrhea, headache, musculoskeletal pain, and rash
  • Grade 3/4 laboratory abnormalities included neutropenia (22%), thrombocytopenia (19%), anemia (11%), hypophosphatemia (5%), hypocalcemia (3%), and elevated bilirubin (1%)
• In patients resistant or intolerant to prior imatinib therapy:
  • The most frequently reported serious adverse reactions included pleural effusion (11%), gastrointestinal bleeding (4%), febrile neutropenia (4%), dyspnea (3%), pneumonia (3%), pyrexia (3%), diarrhea (3%), infection (2%), congestive heart failure/cardiac dysfunction (2%), pericardial effusion (1%), and CNS hemorrhage (1%)
  • The most frequently reported adverse reactions (reported in ≥20% of patients) included myelosuppression, fluid retention events, diarrhea, headache, dyspnea, skin rash, fatigue, nausea, and hemorrhage
  • Grade 3/4 laboratory abnormalities in chronic phase CML patients resistant or intolerant to prior imatinib therapy who received Sprycel 100 mg once daily included neutropenia (36%), thrombocytopenia (23%), anemia (13%), hypophosphatemia (10%), and hypokalemia (2%)
• Grade 3/4 elevations of transaminase or bilirubin and Grade 3/4 hypocalcemia, hypokalemia and hypophosphatemia were reported in patients with all phases of CML, but were reported with an increased frequency in patients with myeloid or lymphoid blast phase CML
  • Elevations in transaminase or bilirubin were usually managed with dose reduction or interruption
  • Patients developing Grade 3/4 hypocalcemia during the course of SPRYCEL therapy often had recovery with oral calcium supplementation

The full Prescribing Information is available at www.bms.com.

Sprycel^® is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.

About Bristol-Myers Squibb and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Bristol-Myers Squibb and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. are collaborative partners in the commercialization of Sprycel^® (dasatinib) in the United States, Japan, and major European countries. Sprycel was discovered and developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb.

For more information about Bristol-Myers Squibb, visit http://www.bms.com or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/bmsnews.

Founded in 1964, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is a global healthcare company with the corporate philosophy: ‘Otsuka – people creating new products for better health worldwide.’ Otsuka researches, develops, manufactures and markets innovative and original products, with a focus on pharmaceutical products for the treatment of diseases and consumer products for the maintenance of everyday health. Otsuka is committed to being a corporation that creates global value, adhering to the high ethical standards required of a company involved in human health and life, maintaining a dynamic corporate culture, and working in harmony with local communities and the natural environment.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd., the holding company for the Otsuka Group. The Otsuka Group has business operations in 24 countries and regions around the world, with consolidated sales of ¥1,154.6 billion for fiscal year 2011. For more information, visit www.otsuka.co.jp/en.

Sprycel^®, Reyataz^® and Coumadin^® are registered trademarks of Bristol-Myers Squibb. All other brands listed are the trademarks of their respective owners.