Depomed, a US-based pharmaceutical firm, has launched Lazanda (fentanyl) nasal spray along with a new, dedicated team of regional sales specialists and the signature support program for patients with breakthrough cancer pain.
Lazanda is designed to manage breakthrough pain in cancer patients 18 years of age or older who are already receiving and who are tolerant to opioid therapy for their underlying persistent cancer pain.
University of Arizona director of Pain Management and assistant professor of Anesthesiology Emil Annabi said breakthrough pain is very common among cancer patients, and can be properly managed to reduce the number and severity of episodes and the interference of daily activities.
"Studies show that breakthrough pain is associated with poorer function and higher cost of care, which is why cancer patients need support services so they can focus on getting pain relief and not be troubled by reimbursement and access issues," Annabi said.
The company's new Signature Support Program is aimed at streamlining patient access to Lazanda.
The program offers one-on-one support for healthcare professionals and their patients by providing services including benefit verification and prior authorization facilitation; reimbursement assistance with co-pay support; eligibility for about one-month free trial of Lazanda as well as monthly patient prescription reminders.
Depomed president and CEO Jim Schoeneck said, "With the new Signature Support Program, patients can take advantage of a variety of coordinated resources to make sure the process of starting on Lazanda is as simple as possible."
Lazanda, a Schedule II controlled substance and uses the patented PecSys drug delivery system, delivers fentanyl in a rapid, but controlled manner and is designed to deliver a fine mist spray to the nasal membrane.
