#United States #Princeton #Medunik USA #Pheburane® #Urea Cycle Disorders

Medunik USA Expands Pheburane® Coverage Under Medicaid Programs

Medunik USA, a prominent specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to assisting rare disease patients, recently announced an expansion of the coverage for its product, Pheburane® (sodium phenylbutyrate), under Medicaid programs. This critical development now allows Pheburane® to be accessed in 19 states through Preferred Medicaid Programs, with 29 additional states providing it within Medicaid programs, albeit with some limitations. Furthermore, this medication is also reimbursed under commercial insurance plans that serve approximately 80% of the commercially insured population in the United States.

This expansion highlights Medunik USA’s ongoing commitment to enhancing patient access to essential therapies designed for individuals suffering from rare urea cycle disorders (UCDs). Tanya Carro, Executive Vice President of U.S. Entities, emphasized the company's dedication to providing effective treatment options for patients with rare diseases, stating, "We strive to ensure that Americans living with UCDs have timely and affordable access to this therapy."

What is Pheburane®?

Pheburane® is a taste-masked oral formulation of sodium phenylbutyrate, developed to serve as an adjunctive therapy alongside dietary management for the long-term management of patients experiencing urea cycle disorders. These genetic disorders result from errors which hamper the body’s ability to eliminate toxic ammonia from the bloodstream, leading to potentially severe health complications. Pheburane® is characterized by its small coated oral pellets, comparable in size to sugar crystals, making it easier to swallow, particularly for pediatric patients. However, the medication is not intended for the treatment of acute hyperammonemia, a severe condition that requires immediate medical intervention.

Interestingly, the medication does come with potential side effects, including menstrual dysfunction, decreased appetite, body odor, and a general aversion to its taste. It is essential for patients to engage in thorough discussions with their healthcare providers regarding any existing health conditions and potential interactions with other medications during treatment with Pheburane®.

Comprehensive Patient Support Services

The recent rollout of Pheburane® is complemented by Medunik USA’s UNIK Support Program, which aims to offer a robust support system tailored to the unique needs of patients diagnosed with UCDs. This program provides various services, including:

• - Personalized Clinical Coordinator Outreach: Patients receive one-on-one support and guidance through their treatment journey.
• - Copay and Patient Assistance Programs: Designed to ensure therapy remains affordable, eligible patients can access these therapies for as little as $0 out-of-pocket.
• - Mail Order Pharmacy Services: Facilitating home delivery through partnerships with national specialty pharmacies.
• - Quick Start Bridge Program: This initiative allows immediate treatment by providing free access to Pheburane® while the patient navigates insurance approvals or addresses any existing coverage gaps.

Considering that approximately 1 in 35,000 people in the United States are affected by UCDs, the expansion of Pheburane® coverage is a significant stride towards reducing the barriers that hinder access to treatment for these patients. The combination of enhanced coverage and extensive support services marks an essential advancement in the rare disease treatment landscape.

Understanding Urea Cycle Disorders (UCDs)

Urea cycle disorders are rare genetic conditions that inhibit the body’s capacity to process ammonia effectively, which can accumulate in the bloodstream to deleterious levels. These conditions might remain undiagnosed for a period, sometimes only surfacing shortly after birth when ammonia levels rise dangerously. Lifelong monitoring and treatment are crucial to managing these disorders and mitigating associated risks.

Medunik USA’s efforts, along with the innovative formulation of Pheburane®, position the company as a key player in the pharmaceutical landscape, facilitating critical advancements in enhancing the quality of life for individuals grappling with rare diseases.

For more information regarding Pheburane® and the UNIK Support Program, individuals may visit Pheburane.com.