Lundbeck adds Omnicare to limited distribution network for Huntington's drug

ORLANDO, Fla. — The specialty pharmacy operated by Omnicare Specialty Care Group has been added to the limited distribution network for a drug used to treat a hereditary degenerative disorder.

Omnicare said Friday that Lundbeck had added Advanced Care Scripts to its network for Xenaziner (tetrabenazine). The drug is used to treat involuntary movements known as chorea associated with Huntington's disease. Chroea affects about 90% of people with Huntington's and is considered a hallmark of the disease, according to studies.

"As the only approved treatment for chorea, Xenazine represents an important advancement for patients with Huntington's disease," Omnicare SVP David Hileman said. "We are please to be part of this innovative drug's limited distribution network and the exclusive partner of product in the long-term care channel."

Huntington's affects about 1-in-10,000 Americans, and about 200,000 people are at risk of developing it, according to the Huntington's Disease Society of America, which says every child of a parent with the disease has a 50% chance of inheriting the gene that causes it.

ACS will dispense the drug using blister packs, which Hileman said would improve safety and adherence while reducing the risk of dosing errors and allow better coordination of combined therapies. "We offer this simplified solution to help patients with Huntington's disease manage their prescription regimens," Hileman said.

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