Specialised Therapeutics to Collaborate with Pharmacy Phusion to Improve Patient Outcomes
Singapore, 2 November 2018: Independent pharmaceutical company Specialised Therapeutics (ST) has struck a new agreement with specialty pharmacy services group Pharmacy Phusion to assist with the distribution and patient support for a new medicine that treats HER2 overexpressing early-stage breast cancer.
Under the terms of the agreement, patients prescribed this new breast cancer treatment by medical oncologists via the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Special Access Scheme will be contacted by a specialist pharmacist weekly for the first five weeks of treatment, and then followed up monthly for the duration of therapy.
ST Chief Executive Officer Mr Carlo Montagner said this new program was testament to the company’s ongoing commitment to patient care.
“This is about reassurance,” he said. “We want all patients who are being administered our products to feel supported, as well as to ensure treatment is properly initiated and managed so that the best therapeutic outcomes are achieved.”
“This program is for a new medicine that ST is currently making available to medical oncologists in Australia at no cost under a strictly-controlled patient access program while undergoing regulatory evaluation by the TGA.
“We know many patients live in regional and remote communities and can encounter challenges when it comes to immediate support.
To this end, we have engaged a team of experienced pharmacists who will implement regular well-being calls to help our patients during therapy and address any other queries or concerns that may arise.
“These pharmacists will consult as required with a patient’s own medical oncologist. This is not about replacing the role of the doctor or other healthcare professional – it is about ensuring all patients have access to the right support exactly when they need it.”
In addition to the formal calls, patients will also be able to telephone a pharmacist for advice at any time during business hours, seven days a week.
Pharmacy Phusion’s Group Professional Manager Mark Silcock said the group works across a range of complex therapy areas, but all expert pharmacists engaged in customer support programs are experienced and uniquely positioned to support patients prescribed new and often complex medicines.
“Pharma companies not only in Australia, but around the world can benefit from having an expert pharmacist team supporting their medications,” he said.
“Our specialist pharmacists have a deep understanding of the medicines they are discussing and how they might interact with other medicines.
“We find the primary role of the pharmacist in these programs is to provide support and reassurance, which ultimately leads to improved adherence.
“Time and time again, that is what patients want – it’s not just about the medicine, but about dosage and side effects.
“Our pharmacists take the time with each individual patient to help them understand what to expect and if they do experience any side effects, to manage them appropriately and efficiently.”
The Pharmacy Phusion customer support program takes effect from today.
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Media Inquiries:
Emma Power
STA Senior Corporate Affairs and Communications Manager
Phone: +61 419 149 525
About Specialised Therapeutics Asia
Specialised Therapeutics is an international, independent pharmaceutical company established to provide pioneering healthcare to patients throughout South East Asia, as well as in Australia and New Zealand.
ST collaborates with leading global pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies to bring novel, innovative and life changing therapies and technologies to patients affected by a range of diseases. ST remains committed to making new and novel therapies available to patients in its key regions of Australia, New Zealand and throughout South-East Asia, targeting diseases where there remains an unmet medical need. The company’s broad therapeutic portfolio currently includes novel agents in oncology, haematology, neurology, ophthalmology and supportive care. Additional information can be found at www.stbiopharma.com.