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SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO - Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX:RO, ROG; OTCQX:RHHBY), a $317.51 billion pharmaceutical giant with a robust 74.79% gross profit margin according to InvestingPro, announced Thursday its first Direct-to-Patient program for its influenza medication Xofluza, offering a $50 cash payment option that represents a 70% reduction from the list price.
The initiative aims to improve affordability and access for patients who are underinsured, uninsured, or self-pay, according to the company’s press release statement.
Genentech has partnered with three pharmacies to distribute the prescription medication: Alto Pharmacy Powered by Fuze Health, Amazon Pharmacy, and Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company. The program includes same-day home delivery in select U.S. markets through Alto and Amazon, while nationwide mail delivery is available through all three partners.
Xofluza is a single-dose oral antiviral approved for treating influenza in patients five years and older who have been symptomatic for no more than 48 hours, as well as for post-exposure prophylaxis.
The program comes after what the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention described as the most severe flu season in seven years. The CDC estimated the 2024-25 season resulted in 47-82 million illnesses, 21-37 million medical visits, 610,000-1,300,000 hospitalizations, and 27,000-130,000 deaths.
In addition to the cash pay option, Genentech has enhanced its Xofluza coupon program, allowing eligible patients to pay as little as $35 for their prescription with up to $70 off at most pharmacies.
Xofluza, discovered by Shionogi & Co., Ltd., is being developed and commercialized globally in collaboration with the Roche Group and Shionogi. The medication is currently approved in more than 80 countries for treating uncomplicated influenza types A and B.
In other recent news, Genentech has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Tecentriq (atezolizumab) and Tecentriq Hybreza (atezolizumab and hyaluronidase-tqjs) in combination with lurbinectedin (Zepzelca) for the maintenance treatment of adult patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). This approval is significant as it marks the first and only combination therapy approved for first-line maintenance treatment of ES-SCLC. However, Genentech faced a setback as the FDA rejected its application for Columvi (glofitamab-gxbm) for second-line treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), citing insufficient evidence from the STARGLO study.
In other developments, Flatiron Health has appointed Nathan Hubbard as its new Chief Executive Officer. He succeeds Carolyn Starrett, who will transition to a senior advisor role. Hubbard, who has over 20 years of leadership experience, previously held multiple senior roles at Flatiron, including building the company’s international business. These recent changes and approvals reflect ongoing developments in the healthcare and biotech sectors.
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