Country for PR: United States
Contributor: PR Newswire New York
Monday, July 13 2020 - 08:43
AsiaNet
Mallinckrodt and Terumo BCT Announce Positive Recommendations for Public Funding of UVADEX(R) (methoxsalen) for ECP Administration with the THERAKOS(R) CELLEX(R) Photopheresis System for Treatment of Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL) in Adults
STAINES-UPON-THAMES, United Kingdom and LAKEWOOD, Colorado, July 13, 2020 /PRNewswire-Asia

– In a rare dual-review process, two independent advisory committees to the 
Australian Minister for Health recommend reimbursement based on a favorable 
clinical and cost-effectiveness comparison –

Mallinckrodt plc ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2855137-1&h=1168827595&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mallinckrodt.com%2F&a=Mallinckrodt+plc 
) (NYSE: MNK), a global biopharmaceutical company, and Terumo BCT, a global 
leader in blood component, therapeutic apheresis and cellular technologies, the 
exclusive distributor of the Therakos extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) 
platform in Australia, announced today that both the Medical Services Advisory 
Committee (MSAC) and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) 
recently recommended that UVADEX(R) (methoxsalen) for extracorporeal 
administration with the THERAKOS(R) CELLEX(R) Photopheresis System be listed on 
the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia for the treatment of 
cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in adults.

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In this two-part evaluation, the PBAC supported the cost-effectiveness of 
UVADEX, the pharmaceutical component of the treatment system; and the MSAC 
accepted the claim of superiority for safety and non-inferiority for efficacy 
between ECP with UVADEX and three comparators. The role of both committees is 
to advise the Australian Minister for Health to help inform Australian 
Government decisions about public funding.[1] The full assessment report 
related to the MSAC recommendation can be found in the published public summary 
document ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2855137-1&h=3957335766&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.msac.gov.au%2Finternet%2Fmsac%2Fpublishing.nsf%2FContent%2F91FE1B55FB6A77E9CA2584EE008194C0%2F%24File%2F1420.1%2520Final%2520PSD_Apr2020_redacted.pdf&a=public+summary+document 
). The PBAC recommendation can be found here ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2855137-1&h=3648010955&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pbs.gov.au%2Findustry%2Flisting%2Felements%2Fpbac-meetings%2Fpbac-outcomes%2F2020-04%2Fpositive-recommendations-05-2020.docx.pdf&a=here 
).

UVADEX 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; and for palliative treatment of the 
skin manifestations of CTCL that is unresponsive to other forms of treatment. 

"CTCL is a rare condition with high unmet patient needs. These positive 
reimbursement recommendations are an important step to help ensure that UVADEX 
with the THERAKOS ECP system is broadly available to patients who may benefit 
from this treatment," said Hugh O'Neill, Executive Vice President and Chief 
Commercial and Operations Officer at Mallinckrodt. "We are now working with the 
Australian government to finalize a public funding agreement in the coming 
months."

Data on the cost-effectiveness of ECP to treat CTCL was recently presented ( 
https://tinyurl.com/yccqft3f ) at the International Society for 
Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) annual meeting, Virtual ISPOR 
2020. Results demonstrated that ECP displaced expensive pharmaceutical 
therapies and was associated with a higher quality of life compared with 
comparator treatments.[2] 

"The MSAC and PBAC assessments are supported by data which demonstrate that 
THERAKOS ECP with UVADEX is a cost-effective option for the treatment of 
patients with CTCL in Australia, compared to other standard-of-care 
therapies,"[2] Julia Wenner, Ph.D., General Manager Australia, Terumo BCT 
Australia. "This important milestone underscores the value of this treatment 
option for patients with complex conditions who are unresponsive to other forms 
of treatment." 

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 that mostly impacts men between the ages of 40 and 60 and the 
estimated prevalence in Australia is less than 1,200 patients. The age of onset 
of the condition is typically greater than 50 years, with the incidence rising 
significantly in the later decades of life.[3] CTCL causes visible skin 
symptoms ranging from a small rash to extensive redness, peeling, burning, 
soreness, and itchiness all over the body.[4],[5] CTCL falls into different 
categories based on the severity of the disease and symptoms.[6]

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 mm3; 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. Psoralen and ultraviolet radiation therapy should be 
under constant supervision of such a physician. Because of the possibilities of 
ocular damage, the patient should be fully informed by the physician of the 
risks inherent in this therapy. UVADEX should only be used ex vivo and 
administered directly into the photoactivation bag. Visually inspect for 
haemolysis. In the event of unscheduled damage to the blood during the 
photopheresis procedure (e.g. >43ºC alarm sounding), the fractionated blood 
should only be reinfused into the patient if haemolysis has not occurred. Both 
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. As the concentration of methoxsalen 
in the human lens is proportional to the serum level, the concentration will be 
substantially lower following ex vivo methoxsalen treatment (with UVADEX) 
compared to that seen following oral administration. Nonetheless, if the lens 
is exposed to UVA during the time methoxsalen is UVADEX Product Information / 
Version 6.0 11 OCT 2019 4/15 present in the lens, photochemical action may lead 
to an irreversible binding of methoxsalen to protein and DNA components of the 
lens. For this reason 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. Following oral administration of psoralen, where 
serum concentrations may exceed 200 ng/mL, 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. Oral psoralens may increase the risk 
of skin cancer. Extracorporeal use of UVADEX is associated with much lower 
systemic exposure than from oral methoxsalen. The phototoxicity of UVADEX has 
not been characterised; as a precaution, 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. Since hepatic 
biotransformation is necessary for urinary excretion, this may lead to 
prolonged photosensitivity requiring continued precautions against exposure to 
sunlight beyond 24 hours following photopheresis treatment. The potential 
benefits of photopheresis treatment should be weighed against any possible risk 
before embarking on the procedure. 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=2855137-1&h=1333644752&u=https%3A%2F%2Fc212.net%2Fc%2Flink%2F%3Ft%3D0%26l%3Den%26o%3D2628795-1%26h%3D347379376%26u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.ebs.tga.gov.au%252Febs%252Fpicmi%252Fpicmirepository.nsf%252Fpdf%253FOpenAgent%2526id%253DCP-2019-PI-01966-1%26a%3DProduct%2BInformation&a=Product+Information 
) also available by calling +61 2 9429 3606.

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(R) CELLEX(R) 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.eu.

Terumo BCT is the exclusive distributor of the Therakos ECP platform in 
Australia, as well as Latin America and select countries in Europe. To learn 
more about Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, visit www.terumobct.com.

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 3606.   

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 therapy 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 and cells 
to do even more for patients than they do today. This belief inspires our 
innovation and strengthens our collaboration with customers. www.TERUMOBCT.com  

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELATED TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This release includes forward-looking statements concerning the use of UVADEX 
with the THERAKOS CELLEX Photopheresis System including potential benefits 
associated with its use and expectations regarding the timing of actions with 
governmental authorities. 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.

CONTACT

Media Inquiries
Caren Begun
Green Room Communications
+1 201-396-8551
caren@greenroompr.com

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

Investor Relations
Daniel J. Speciale, CPA
Vice President, Finance and Investor Relations Officer
+1 314-654-3638
daniel.speciale@mnk.com

Mallinckrodt, the "M" brand mark and the Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals logo are 
trademarks of a Mallinckrodt company. Other brands are trademarks of a 
Mallinckrodt company or their respective owners. (c) 2020 Mallinckrodt. 07/20

References

[1] About MSAC. Australian Government Department of Health, Medical Services 
Advisory Committee. 
http://www.msac.gov.au/internet/msac/publishing.nsf/Content/about-msac. 
Accessed June 15, 2020.
[2] Dehle F, Gennari F, Peacock A, Taylor C, Mesa Zapata OA. Cost-effectiveness 
of extracorporeal photopheresis for the treatment of erythrodermic (stage 
T4,M0) cutaneous T-cell lymphoma patients in the Australian setting. Virtual 
poster presented at Virtual ISPOR 2020; May 18-20, 2020. 
https://www.ispor.org/heor-resources/presentations-database/presentation/intl2020-3182/102621.

[3] 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.
[4] Knobler R, et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2014;28 Suppl 1:1-37.
[5] Sokołowska-Wojdyło M, et al. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 
2015;32(5):368-383.
[6] Trautinger F, et al. Eur J Cancer. 2006;42(8):1014-1030.

SOURCE  Mallinckrodt plc