Pfizer cancer drug hits BioPlus' shelves

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — A specialty pharmacy provider has begun selling a drug made by Pfizer for treating kidney cancer.



The company announced that it had launched Inlyta (axitinib), which the Food and Drug Administration approved last month for treating renal cell carcinoma in patients with advanced disease for whom first-line systemic therapy has failed. According to the American Cancer Society, 60,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with the disease each year, and 13,000 die.



"BioPlus has extensive expertise in launching cancer therapy medications, and we are thrilled to be in the select group with access to this limited drug that offers hope to patients with RCC," BioPlus director of pharmaceutical contracting Sharon Ferrer said.



Pfizer granted another specialty provider, Phoenix-based The Apothecary Shops,  distribution rights for Inlyta earlier this month.

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