Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc. announced that they have enter into an agreement with Armada Health Care to launch their natural interferon, Alferon N Injection, FDA approved for HPV related genital warts, into Armada's Specialty Pharmacy infrastructure.
Alferon is the only naturally derived alpha interferon approved in the United States. Studies have indicated Alferon produces fewer adverse reactions than recombinant alpha interferon, maintains efficacy when an individual's antibodies may render recombinant interferon ineffective and has higher levels of potency in certain tests. Twenty-two million Americans, according to NIH data, are afflicted by HPV (Human Papillomavirus), for which Alferon may be indicate in the refractory cases.
This marks Hemispherx's first marketing/distribution collaboration and is the first initiative in their new strategy towards commercialisation. Under the terms of the agreement, Hemispherx will utilize Armada's services including patient and physician clinical education, patient level pharmacy services, reimbursement and data reporting.
Specialty Pharmacy is characterized by intense therapeutic management and centrally managed distribution of medications treating chronic health conditions. Specialty Pharmacy serves unique patient populations that often utilize injectable, infusion and biotech drugs. Examples of some of the disease states treated by Specialty Pharmacy are: Cancer, HIV/AIDS, Crohn's Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Diabetes, Haemophilia, Hepatitis, M.S., Pulmonary Hypertension, Renal Dialysis and others. Approximately 3 per cent of the US residents take Specialty Pharmaceuticals with a growth rate twice that of traditional pharmaceuticals (27% vs. 13%).
"We are pleased and optimistic to initiate our commercialisation strategy by launching a drug with such potential into our collaboration with Armada", stated Anthony Bonelli, president and COO of Hemispherx. "The specialty pharmacy channel seems to be well suited for our core technologies and offers a promising template for further indications and future product launches".
"Armada is proud to have been selected by Hemispherx as a partner in helping launch this drug into the specialty market", stated Mr. Lawrence Irene, CEO of Armada Health Care. "The national network we have built is unique in every sense and includes some of the largest specialty pharmacies in the industry. Our group is a perfect platform to maximize the introduction of any drug into the specialty market and we are committed to helping make this program a huge success for Hemispherx".