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Friday, November 01 2019 - 07:45
AsiaNet
Mallinckrodt and Terumo BCT Announce UVADEX(R) (Methoxsalen) Approved in Australia for use with the THERAKOS(R) CELLEX(R) Photopheresis System for the Treatment of Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease (cGvHD) and Skin Manifestations of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL) in Adults
SYDNEY, Nov. 1, 2019 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --

Mallinckrodt plc (NYSE: MNK), a global biopharmaceutical company, and Terumo 
BCT, a global leader in blood component, therapeutic apheresis and cellular 
technologies, today announced that UVADEX(R) (methoxsalen) has received 
regulatory approval in Australia by the Australian Therapeutic Goods 
Administration (TGA) for extracorporeal administration with the THERAKOS(R) 
CELLEX(R) Photopheresis System. The treatment is indicated for 
steroid-refractory and steroid-intolerant chronic graft versus host disease 
(cGvHD) in adults following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) 
transplantation. The TGA also approved UVADEX in conjunction with the THERAKOS 
CELLEX Photopheresis System for the palliative treatment of skin manifestations 
of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) that is unresponsive to other forms of 
treatment.

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The TGA approval marks the first combined label indication and the first 
regulatory approval in the world for UVADEX in conjunction with the THERAKOS 
Extracorporeal Photopheresis (ECP) System for the treatment of chronic graft 
versus host disease in adults.

Terumo BCT is the exclusive distributor of the Therakos ECP platform in 
Australia, as well as Latin America and select countries in Europe.

"The TGA approval of UVADEX with the Therakos ECP platform opens up new 
treatment options for patients with these challenging conditions," said Steven 
Romano, M.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, 
Mallinckrodt. "The cGvHD indication is also an important milestone for 
Mallinckrodt, confirming the potential benefit of this therapeutic option for 
patients who are refractory to or intolerant of steroid treatments."  

"Both cGvHD and CTCL are rare conditions with high unmet patient needs," said 
Julia Wenner, Ph.D., General Manager Australia, Terumo BCT. "We are pleased 
that this approval, with a combined label indication, will help meet those 
needs for patients in Australia.  We look forward to continued partnerships 
like this one that allow us to positively impact patients."

About Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease (cGvHD)
Graft-versus-host-disease is a common complication of hematopoietic stem cell 
(HSC) transplantation resulting in significant morbidity and mortality.(1) It 
can be classified as acute or chronic based on the clinical presentation and 
the time of occurrence after the transplantation. Signs and symptoms of cGvHD 
nearly always occur within the first year post transplantation but can 
occasionally happen several years later.(2) In cGvHD, the skin is the most 
frequently affected organ with manifestations of itchy rash, hyper or 
hypopigmentation and changes in texture.  However, the disease can affect 
multiple sites, which may have a major impact upon a patient's quality of 
life.(2,3)  Chronic GvHD can lead to debilitating consequences, such as joint 
contractures, loss of sight, end-stage lung disease, or mortality resulting 
from profound chronic immune suppression leading to recurrent or 
life-threatening infections.(1)

About Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL)
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is an umbrella term for a group of non-Hodgkin 
lymphomas involving T lymphocytes that localize in the skin. It is a relatively 
rare cancer, with 2,500 to 3,000 new cases per year in the United States.(4) 
The age of onset of the condition is typically greater than 50 years, with the 
incidence rising significantly in the later decades of life.(5) CTCL causes 
visible skin symptoms ranging from a small rash to extensive redness, peeling, 
burning, soreness, and itchiness all over the body.(6,7) CTCL falls into 
different categories based on the severity of the disease and symptoms.(8)

Minimum Product Information: UVADEX(R) (methoxsalen) Concentrated Injection for 
extracorporeal circulation via photopheresis (ECP)

This medicinal product is subject to additional monitoring in Australia. This 
will allow quick identification of new safety information. Healthcare 
professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse events at 
www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. 

Indications in Australia: UVADEX (methoxsalen) is indicated for extracorporeal 
administration with the THERAKOS CELLEX Photopheresis System for the:

    -- treatment of steroid refractory and steroid intolerant chronic graft 
       versus host disease (cGVHD) in adults following allogeneic HSC 
       transplantation. 
    -- palliative treatment of the skin manifestations of cutaneous T-cell 
       lymphoma (CTCL) that is unresponsive to other forms of treatment.

Contraindications: History of idiosyncratic or hypersensitivity reaction to 
methoxsalen, psoralen compounds or any excipients of UVADEX; co existing 
melanoma, basal cell or squamous cell skin carcinoma; lactation; aphakia. ECP 
procedure contra-indications: Photosensitive disease; inability to tolerate 
extracorporeal volume loss; WBC count > 25,000 mm(3); previous splenectomy; 
coagulation disorders. Special warnings and precautions: Only physicians who 
have special competence in the diagnosis and treatment of cGVHD and CTCL who 
have special training and experience with the THERAKOS CELLEX Photopheresis 
System should use UVADEX. Men and women being treated with UVADEX should take 
adequate contraceptive precautions both during and after completion of 
photopheresis treatment. Exposure to large doses of UVA causes cataracts in 
animals, an effect enhanced by the administration of oral methoxsalen. The 
patient's eyes should be protected from UVA light by wearing wrap around, UVA 
opaque sunglasses during the treatment cycle and during the following 24 hours. 
Exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation (even through window glass) may 
result in serious burns and, in the long term, "premature aging" of the skin 
therefore patients should avoid exposure to sunlight during the 24 hours 
following photopheresis treatment. Thromboembolic events, such as pulmonary 
embolism and deep vein thrombosis, have been reported with UVADEX 
administration through photopheresis systems for treatment of patients with 
graft versus host disease. This product contains 4.1% w/v ethanol and each 1 mL 
of UVADEX contains 40.55 mg of ethanol. Caution is advised in patients with 
liver disease, alcoholism, epilepsy, brain injury or disease. No specific 
information is available for use in renal or hepatic impairment and there is no 
evidence for dose adjustment in the elderly. The safety and efficacy of UVADEX 
have not been established in children. Use in pregnancy: Category D. Use in 
Lactation: UVADEX is contra-indicated. Interactions with other medicines: 
Effects on P450 system metabolism may affect clearance / activation of other 
drugs (caffeine, paracetamol) or may extend the methoxsalen half-life leading 
to prolonged photosensitivity in patients. Methoxsalen binding to albumin may 
be displaced by dicoumarol, warfarin, promethazine and tolbutamide with 
potential for enhanced photosensitivity. Caution when treating with concomitant 
photosensitising agents. Adverse effects: In the clinical trials, published 
information and postmarketing surveillance of UVADEX/ECP, adverse events were 
usually mild and transient and in most cases, related to the underlying 
pathology. Very common: diarrhoea, anaemia, nausea, headache, hypertension, 
sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection, fatigue, pain in extremity, 
pyrexia, cough, dyspnoea, cushingoid, dry eye, photophobia, toothache, 
anorexia. Common: depression, lacrimation increased, abdominal pain, 
hypokalaemia, paraesthesia oral, pharyngolaryngeal pain, tachycardia, 
conjunctivitis, eye pain, visual acuity reduced, dysphagia, chills, mucosal 
inflammation, nasopharyngitis, contusion, blood pressure diastolic decreased, 
haemoglobin decreased, hyperglycaemia, hypocalcaemia, neuropathy peripheral, 
tremor, rash, hypotension. Additional adverse effects seen in clinical trials 
include vomiting, infections. Adverse events related to the ECP/CELLEX 
procedure -- thromboembolism and severe allergic reactions, vascular access 
complication, vasovagal spasm, hickman catheter infection/thrombosis, headache, 
hypercoagulability, haemolysis. Additional adverse events identified 
post-marketing: anaphylactic reaction, allergic reaction, dysgeusia, 
exacerbation of congestive heart failure, sepsis, endocarditis, and vomiting. 
Dosage and Administration: Chronic Graft versus Host Disease: Three ECP 
treatments in the first week then two ECP treatments per week for at least 12 
weeks, or as clinically indicated. Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma: ECP treatment on 
two successive days each month for six months. Patients who show an increase in 
skin scores after eight treatment sessions may have their treatment schedule 
increased to two successive days every two weeks for the next three months. 
Refer to full Product Information and THERAKOS CELLEX Operator's Manual for 
information regarding administration.

Store below 25 degrees C. Date of first approval: 16 September 2019. Date of 
revision: 11 October 2019.

Indications and Prescribing Information for Uvadex vary globally. Please refer 
to the individual country product label for complete information. 

Before prescribing Uvadex, please refer to the full Product Information ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2628789-1&h=2232109080&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebs.tga.gov.au%2Febs%2Fpicmi%2Fpicmirepository.nsf%2Fpdf%3FOpenAgent%26id%3DCP-2019-PI-01966-1&a=Product+Information 
) also available by calling + 1 800 778 7898. 

ABOUT THERAKOS
Mallinckrodt is the world's only provider of approved, fully-integrated systems 
for administering immunomodulatory therapy through ECP. Its Therakos ECP 
platforms, including the latest generation THERAKOS(TM) CELLEX(TM) 
Photopheresis System, are used by academic medical centres, hospitals, and 
treatment centres in nearly 40 countries and have delivered more than 1 million 
treatments globally. For more information, please visit www.therakos.co.uk. 

UVADEX (methoxsalen) and THERAKOS CELLEX Photopheresis Systems are separately 
approved in a number of global markets. Please refer to your local approved 
labelling for Uvadex and the Operator's Manual for CELLEX for more information 
on approved uses for specific indications.

Before administering therapy using the THERAKOS CELLEX Photopheresis System, 
please refer to the Operator's Manual available at +61 2 9429 3600 or +1 800 
778 7898. 

ABOUT MALLINCKRODT
Mallinckrodt is a global business consisting of multiple wholly owned 
subsidiaries that develop, manufacture, market and distribute specialty 
pharmaceutical products and therapies. The company's Specialty Brands 
reportable segment's areas of focus include autoimmune and rare diseases in 
specialty areas like neurology, rheumatology, nephrology, pulmonology and 
ophthalmology; immunotherapy and neonatal respiratory critical care therapies; 
analgesics and gastrointestinal products. Its Specialty Generics reportable 
segment includes specialty generic drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients. 
To learn more about Mallinckrodt, visit www.mallinckrodt.com.

Mallinckrodt uses its website as a channel of distribution of important company 
information, such as press releases, investor presentations and other financial 
information. It also uses its website to expedite public access to 
time-critical information regarding the company in advance of or in lieu of 
distributing a press release or a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange 
Commission (SEC) disclosing the same information. Therefore, investors should 
look to the Investor Relations page of the website for important and 
time-critical information. Visitors to the website can also register to receive 
automatic e-mail and other notifications alerting them when new information is 
made available on the Investor Relations page of the website.

ABOUT TERUMO BCT 
Terumo BCT, a global leader in blood component, therapeutic apheresis and 
cellular technologies, is the only company with the unique combination of 
apheresis collections, manual and automated whole blood processing, and 
pathogen reduction technologies. We believe in the potential of blood to do 
even more for patients than it does today. This belief inspires our innovation 
and strengthens our collaboration with customers. To learn more about Terumo 
BCT, visit www.terumobct.com. 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELATED TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This release includes forward-looking statements for Mallinckrodt concerning 
THERAKOS Photopheresis including potential benefits associated with its use. 
The statements are based on assumptions about many important factors, including 
the following, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those 
in the forward-looking statements: satisfaction of regulatory and other 
requirements; actions of regulatory bodies and other governmental authorities; 
changes in laws and regulations; issues with product quality, manufacturing or 
supply, or patient safety issues; and other risks identified and described in 
more detail in the "Risk Factors" section of Mallinckrodt's most recent Annual 
Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC, all of which are available 
on its website. The forward-looking statements made herein speak only as of the 
date hereof and Mallinckrodt does not assume any obligation to update or revise 
any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future 
events and developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

CONTACTS
Mallinckrodt Media Inquiries 
James Tate 
The Henley Group
+1 44 1491 570 971
james@henley.co.uk 

Terumo Media Inquiries
Christine Romero
Terumo BCT, Inc.
+1 303-205-2599
press@terumobct.com 

Investor Relations 
Daniel J. Speciale, CPA
Vice President, Investor Relations and IRO
314-654-3638
daniel.speciale@mnk.com

Mallinckrodt, the "M" brand mark and the Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals logo are 
trademarks of a Mallinckrodt company. 
(c) 2019 Mallinckrodt.  10/19 AU-1900024

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(2)  Jagasia 2015. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant. 2015; 21(3): 389-401.
(3)  Pavletic et al. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant. 2006;12:252-66.
(4)  Agar NS, Wedgeworth E, Crichton S, et al. Survival outcomes and prognostic 
factors in mycosis fungoides/Sezary syndrome: validation of the revised 
International Society for Cutaneous Lymphomas/European Organisation for 
Research and Treatment of Cancer staging proposal. JCO. 2010;28:4730-4739
(5)  Kim YH, Liu HL, Mraz-Gernhard S, et al. Long-term outcome of 525 patients 
with mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome: clinical prognostic factors and 
risk for disease progression. Arch Dermatol. 2003;139:857-866.
(6)  Knobler R, et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2014;28 Suppl 1:1-37.
(7)  Sokolowska-Wojdylo M, et al. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2015;32(5):368-383.
(8)  Trautinger F, et al. Eur J Cancer. 2006;42(8):1014-1030

SOURCE Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals