[July 01, 2014]

BioRx Expands BioFeedback Program to Include Reports for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

BioRx, a national specialty pharmacy provider, announced today that the company has added alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) to its BioFeedback health outcomes reporting program. With the addition of AATD, BioRx now generates patient-specific outcome reports covering four disease categories - AATD, hereditary angioedema, primary immune deficiencies, and autoimmune neuropathies.

"Since the launch of our first BioFeedback program for neuropathies in 2013, we have developed a robust reporting system that can help measure the health impact of some of the most costly specialty pharmaceutical treatments out there," said Eric Hill, co-founder of BioRx. "That value, in terms of health and cost, is of great interest to every stakeholder in the pharmaceutical delivery chain - including patients, physicians, payers and drug manufacturers."

AATD is an inherited condition that raises the risk of certain types of lung disease, such as emphysema. (A small number of people may have AAT-related liver or skin disease.) People with AAT deficiency do not have enough of a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) in their blood. Produced by the liver, AAT protein helps protect the lungs from everyday irritants such as smoke, fumes, dust and pollen. Without the protection of AAT, lungs can become damaged and suffer an accelerated rate of decline.

Treatment for AAT deficiency may include some of the same products used for a lung disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a.k.a. COPD), including inhalers, supplemental oxygen or steroids. For AAT-related lung disease, treatment may also consist of products known as alpha-1 proteinase inhibitors (A1Pi). A1Pi products replace or augment missing or deficient levels of circulating AAT protein in the blood.

BioRx entered the AATD market in 2010 with a distribution agreement for Aralast® NP and Glassia®, both A1Pi products from Baxter Healthcare. In 2012, BioRx was awarded distribution rights to another A1Pi product, Zemaira®, from CSL Behring.

"With BioFeedback, our alpha-1 program will now be able to demonstrate objective clinical measures of improvement or decline in a patient's lung health," Hill said. "Moreover, we'll be able to see, visually, how these changes might correspond with adherence to A1Pi treatment."

The BioFeedback reports for AATD will be sent each quarter to BioRx physician referral sources. They will contain various measures of AAT-related lung health and quality of life, including a patient's forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), the most commonly used measure of lung function over time. The reports will also include important comparators of FEV1 to help physicians interpret their patients' individual progress, including FEV₁ vs. FEV₆ and FEV₁ vs. FEV₁ predicted. This information is charted along with individual patients' medication use, reported respiratory infections, emergency room visits, hospital stays, missed days of work or school, and a respiratory quality of life assessment. Data is collected through a combination of home nursing visits and routine, monthly telephone contact from BioRx consumer advocates.

In developing the BioFeedback program for AATD, BioRx consulted with physicians and other thought leaders experienced in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. The company continues to develop and expand the uses of its BioFeedback reporting platform. For more information or questions about the program, call 866.44.BIORX (866.442.4679), email [email protected], or visit www.myalpha1solutions.com.

About BioRx

Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, BioRx is one of the nation's fastest growing providers of specialty pharmaceuticals and infusion services, delivering highly customized care for patients with certain rare and chronic diseases. In addition to serving patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, BioRx offers pharmacy, nursing and education services to patients with hemophilia, primary immune deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, and hereditary angioedema. The company's clinical staff reaches patients and physicians in all 50 states. To learn more about BioRx and its products and services, visit www.biorx.com.

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