Pantherx Pharmacy to Market Diacomit for Dravet Patients in US
Biocodex has chosen Pantherx Rare specialty pharmacy to be the sole U.S. distributor of Diacomit (stiripentol), an add-on and oral anti-seizure medicine that is approved for people with Dravet syndrome, ages 2 and older.
The pharmacy, licensed in all 50 states, will add Diacomit to its portfolio of offerings for patients across the country.
“Pantherx is proud to partner with Biocodex to deliver Diacomit and tailored support services to patients living with Dravet syndrome,” Rob Snyder, president of Pantherx, said in a press release.
“Our partnership will allow the Dravet syndrome community renewed hope for improved health outcomes,” Snyder added.
The pharmacy’s tailored support services are built upon its in-house specialty workflow technology (SWFT) system, which supports a patient’s specific needs, and its RxARECARE teams, which offer fully coordinated clinical services.
“We look forward to assisting the members of this rare patient population as they navigate their health journeys,” Snyder said.
Dravet syndrome is a genetic condition that is characterized by seizures that last five to 30 minutes or longer, and are difficult to control with anti-epilepsy medications. These seizures can be induced by a number of triggers, including a rapid rise in body temperature, and can be difficult to control with existing treatments.
Diacomit is approved for use in the U.S. as an add-on to Onfi (clobazam), another anti-seizure medicine. It is available as capsules to be taken orally (by mouth) or as a powder to prepare an oral (liquid) suspension.
The exact way in which Diacomit works as an anti-seizure medicine is not fully understood. One way it may act is by increasing the levels of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps reduce the electrical activity of the brain. It is also thought to increase the blood levels of other anti-seizure medicines, including Onfi, by slowing how quickly they are broken down by the liver.
The most common side effects associated with Diacomit’s use are drowsiness and loss of appetite.
Diacomit’s approval followed findings of its safety and efficacy as an add-on treatment in clinical trials, including two Phase 3 studies of its use with Onfi and Depacon (sodium valproate) conducted in Italy and France.
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