Industry News

  • Merck Broadens Patient Support and Assistance Programs as Part of Overall COVID-19 Relief Efforts

    In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Merck is focused on protecting the safety of its employees and their families, ensuring that its supply of medicines and vaccines reach its patients, contributing its scientific expertise to the development of antiviral approaches, and supporting healthcare providers and their communities. 

    Read the press release for more information on Merck's response to COVID-19.

    Posted 4/29/2020



  • How Pfizer Oncology Together Is Addressing Patient Needs

    Pfizer recognizes the strain that the COVID-19 pandemic is placing on patients and healthcare providers around the world, and is working with governments, international NGOs, and U.S.-based not-for profit organizations to respond to this pandemic by donating much needed medications and vaccines and working to support front-line health workers.

    Read Pfizer's full response to COVID-19

    Posted 4/28/2020



  • COVID-19 Healthcare Professional Information Update

    As critical and valued partners in the healthcare community in the U.S., Pfizer wanted to share its approach to the COVID-19 pandemic and changes it is making to best address your needs and those of the patients you serve. Pfizer is taking steps to ensure supply of its medicines and help halt the spread of this disease by developing antiviral therapies and, through a partnership, a potential vaccine for the COVID-19 virus.

    Pfizer also recently announced a commitment of $40 million in medical and charitable cash grants to help address urgent needs of U.S. and global partners on the front lines of the pandemic.

    Read Pfizer's full response to COVID-19

    Posted 4/28/2020



  • BMS Patient Support Program Overview

    In light of the developing situation around COVID-19, Bristol Myers Squibb would like to share immediate action they are taking to support the health and well-being of patients, customers, and employees during this time.

    Bristol Myers Squibb is expanding its longstanding patient support programs to help eligible unemployed patients in the U.S. who have lost their health insurance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The expanded program offers access to BMS medicine for free.

    Read the expanded patient support program overview.

    Posted 4/28/2020



  • Takeda Oncology 1Point Patient Support Program

    The Takeda Oncology 1Point is a comprehensive program committed to helping patients taking Takeda Oncology medicines navigate coverage requirements, identify available financial assistance and connect with helpful resources throughout their treatment.

    Read the announcement

    Learn more and download the enrollment form at Takedaoncology1point.com

    Posted 4/28/2020



  • BMS Patient Assistance Transportation Program

    The Community Oncology Alliance (COA) has partnered with CancerCare to provide free local transportation to patients during the COVID-19 national emergency. This program will provide free transportation for patients to and from their community oncology provider. Working with a nationwide transportation provider, practices will be able to organize free local transportation to and from appointments in clean vehicles.

    Community oncology practices must register to be part of this program. Simply fill out this form and COA will provide you with details on how to book travel for patients needing transportation.

    Posted 4/28/2020



  • Genentech's Response to COVID-19

    Genentech takes the health and safety of its patients, customers, employees, and local communities very seriously, and are actively responding to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Genentech knows that needs will continue to emerge over the coming weeks and months, and they are closely monitoring and evaluating the situation as it evolves.

    For more information on Genentech's response to COVID-19, please visit its website

    Posted 4/28/2020



  • CMS Re-evaluating Accelerated Payment Program; Halting Advance Payment Program

    On April 26, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it is reevaluating the amounts that will be paid under its Accelerated Payment Program and suspending its Advance Payment Program to Part B suppliers effective immediately. 

    CMS states that significant additional funding will continue to be available to hospitals and other healthcare providers through other programs such as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (PL 116-136) and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (PL 116-139) for healthcare providers. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is distributing these funds through the Provider Relief Fund, and these payments do not need to be repaid.

    View CMS' updated fact sheet on the Accelerated Payment Program and Advance Payment Program here.

    Posted 4/27/2020


  • Pfizer Oncology Announces Transition of IBRANCE® (palbociclib) from Capsules to Tablets

    Pfizer Oncology is pleased to announce that IBRANCE® (palbociclib) is transitioning from capsules to tablets. The new film-coated tablets will be dispensed in blister packs, whichh are designed to enable patients to track where they are in their treatment cycle. The tablet formulation is bioequivalent to the capsule formulation.

    IBRANCE® is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) advanced, or metastatic breast cancer in combination with:

    • an aromatase inhibitor as initial endocrine-based therapy in postmenopausal women or in men; or

    • fulvestrant in patients with disease progression following endocrine therapy.

    Read the trade sheet for the tablet formulation. 

    Posted 4/24/2020



  • FDA Approves KOSELUGO™ for Neurofibromatosis-1 with Plexiform Neurofibromas

    On April 10, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved KOSELUGO™(selumetinib) for the treatment of children two years of age and older with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) who have plexiform neurofibromas (PN) that cannot be completely removed by surgery. 

    Read corporate announcement.

    Read product fact sheet.

    Posted 4/23/2020




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