Cycle Pharmaceuticals Partners with LeMed for Exclusive Distribution of HARLIKU™ Treatment in the U.S.

Cycle Pharmaceuticals Partners with LeMed Specialty Pharmacy

Cycle Pharmaceuticals has just announced a major development in the treatment of Alkaptonuria (AKU), a rare genetic disorder. They have selected LeMed Specialty Pharmacy as their exclusive partner for the distribution of HARLIKU™ (nitisinone) tablets, the only FDA-approved option designed to reduce urinary homogentisic acid (HGA) in adult patients suffering from this condition. This partnership emphasizes a shared commitment to improving the lives of those affected by rare diseases, and it aims to ensure that patients receive the necessary treatment in a timely manner.

Enhancing Patient Care

The collaboration reflects years of fruitful interaction between Cycle Pharmaceuticals and LeMed, particularly in the field of rare diseases. As noted by Chikai Lai, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Cycle Pharmaceuticals, this partnership is all about prioritizing patient needs. With LeMed managing both commercial and non-commercial dispensing across the United States, healthcare providers and patients alike can look forward to streamlined access to the vital treatment HARLIKU™ offers.

LeMed’s expertise revolves around the management of niche medications, particularly within ultra-specialized and exclusive distribution systems. This expertise, paired with their agile operations, allows them to collaborate intimately with biopharmaceutical innovators such as Cycle Pharmaceuticals. Together, they are already supporting patients with other rare conditions, including hereditary angioedema (HAE) and phenylketonuria (PKU).

What is HARLIKU™?

HARLIKU™ is a revolutionary treatment option for patients with AKU. It functions by inhibiting an upstream enzyme responsible for the production of HGA, which is known to cause significant pain and decline in physical function. Clinical studies indicate that this therapy can reduce urinary HGA levels by as much as 97%, leading to notable improvements in both pain management and energy levels for individuals living with this genetic disorder.

The product is paired with Cycle Vita™, a dedicated support program providing individualized assistance from the outset of the treatment journey and ongoing throughout its administration, thus offering continuous clinical support tailored to each patient's needs.

LeMed Specialty Pharmacy: A Commitment to Patients

Established in the Bronx, New York, LeMed Specialty Pharmacy is proud of its track record in shaping healthcare with a focus on rare diseases. Unlike many pharmacies that are entangled with private equity affiliations or pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), LeMed has maintained its independence. This governance enables them to focus solely on orphan therapies and cater to the unique needs of patients. With facilities on both coasts, LeMed offers dual-specialty accreditations allowing them to ship medications across all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

Nathaniel Keifer, Vice President of Client Strategy at LeMed, emphasized their commitment to delivering timely access to HARLIKU™. His mention of a 'bespoke model' speaks volumes about their patient-first approach which aims to deliver personalized care and speedy therapy while ensuring comprehensive data insights that allow Cycle Pharma to monitor patient outcomes effectively.

As HARLIKU™ hits the market, both patients and healthcare providers can look forward to the comprehensive support from LeMed Specialty Pharmacy. Not only does this partnership enhance the accessibility of a crucial treatment, but it also symbolizes a shared dedication to improving health outcomes for individuals facing the challenges of Alkaptonuria.

Cycle Pharmaceuticals, which has a history since 2012 of serving the needs of those with rare diseases, is now fortified by this strategic alliance. They are committed to fighting for the rights and treatments for patients who have long been underserved, with a focus that extends beyond AKU to include conditions in metabolic, urology, oncology, and neurology.

For further information on HARLIKU™ and the partnership with LeMed Specialty Pharmacy, readers are encouraged to visit the respective company websites.