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Contributor: PR Newswire New York
Thursday, October 28 2021 - 09:43
AsiaNet
Mallinckrodt and Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies Announce Positive Recommendations in Australia for Public Funding of UVADEX(R) (methoxsalen) for ECP Administration with the THERAKOS(R) CELLEX(R) Photopheresis System for Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease (cGvHD) in Adults
DUBLIN and LAKEWOOD, Colo., Oct. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --

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


Mallinckrodt plc ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3338189-1&h=896724108&u=https%3A%2F%2Fc212.net%2Fc%2Flink%2F%3Ft%3D0%26l%3Den%26o%3D3215722-1%26h%3D4141141815%26u%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.mallinckrodt.com%252F%26a%3DMallinckrodt%2Bplc&a=Mallinckrodt+plc 
) (OTCMKTS: MNKKQ), a global biopharmaceutical company, and Terumo Blood and 
Cell Technologies, a global leader in blood component, therapeutic apheresis 
and cellular technologies, and 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 steroid dependent, intolerant or resistant 
chronic graft versus host disease (cGvHD) in adults.

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 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=3338189-1&h=963855395&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.msac.gov.au%2Finternet%2Fmsac%2Fpublishing.nsf%2FContent%2F45C3F879C0D72A0ACA2585E400046E4C%2F%24File%2F1651%2520Final%2520PSD%2520-%2520July%25202021_redacted.pdf&a=public+summary+document 
). The PBAC recommendation, found here ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3338189-1&h=258569297&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pbs.gov.au%2Finfo%2Findustry%2Flisting%2Felements%2Fpbac-meetings%2Fpbac-outcomes%2Frecommendations-made-by-the-pbac-september-2021-intracycle&a=here 
), states:

The PBAC recommended the Section 100 (Highly Specialised Drugs Program – Public 
and Private Hospital) Authority Required (STREAMLINED) listing for methoxsalen, 
delivered as part of an integrated, closed system ECP service for the treatment 
of patients with steroid dependent, steroid intolerant or steroid refractory 
cGVHD. The PBAC was satisfied that ECP involving methoxsalen provides, for some 
patients, a significant improvement in efficacy over current standard of care. 
The PBAC noted that MSAC accepted that ECP had likely superior clinical 
effectiveness and non-inferior safety compared with current standard of care. 
Further, the PBAC noted that MSAC advised that ECP plus methoxsalen has 
acceptable cost-effectiveness in the treatment of cGVHD compared with current 
standard of care for the proposed patient population.

UVADEX is indicated for extracorporeal administration with the THERAKOS CELLEX 
Photopheresis System for the treatment of steroid–refractory and 
steroid–intolerant cGVHD in adults following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell 
transplantation; and for palliative treatment of the skin manifestations of 
cutaneous T-cell lymphoma that is unresponsive to other forms of treatment. 

"Treatment for patients with cGvHD who do not respond to steroids has long been 
a challenge, and as a pharmaceutical company focused on improving outcomes for 
underserved patients with severe and critical conditions, we strive to provide 
treatment options that address unmet medical needs," said Maro Williams, Ph.D., 
Country Medical Director, International Medical Affairs at Mallinckrodt. "The 
positive reimbursement recommendation is an important step to help ensure that 
UVADEX with the THERAKOS ECP system is broadly available to patients who may 
benefit from this treatment."

In July 2020, UVADEX also received recommendations from both the MSAC and the 
PBAC to be listed on the PBS in Australia for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell 
lymphoma in adults.   

"The PBAC assessment supports THERAKOS ECP with UVADEX as a cost-effective 
option for the treatment of patients with cGvHD in Australia, compared to other 
standard-of-care therapies," said Xavier Dubois, General Manager Australia and 
New Zealand, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies. "This important milestone 
underscores the value of this treatment option for patients who are 
unresponsive to other forms of treatment." 

About Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease (cGvHD) 
Graft versus host-disease is a common complication of hematopoietic stem cell 
transplantation resulting in significant morbidity and mortality.(2) 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.(3) 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.(3,4) 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.(2)

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. 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. >43 degrees C 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 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, vomiting and 
photosensitivity reactions. 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: 19 November 2020.

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=3338189-1&h=4072401094&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%C2%A0 
) 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 Blood and Cell Technologies 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 Blood and Cell Technologies
Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies is a medical technology company. Our 
products, software and services enable customers to collect and prepare blood 
and cells to help treat challenging diseases and conditions. Our employees 
around the world believe in the potential of blood and cells to do even more 
for patients than they do today.

Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies' customers include blood centers, hospitals, 
therapeutic apheresis clinics, cell collection and processing organizations, 
researchers and private medical practices. Our customers are based in over 130 
countries across the globe. We have 750+ granted patents, with an additional 
150 pending.

We have global headquarters in Lakewood, Colo., U.S.A., along with five 
regional headquarters, six manufacturing sites and six innovation and 
development centers across the globe. Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies is a 
subsidiary of Terumo Corporation (TSE: 4543), a global leader in medical 
technology. https://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. 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

Mallinckrodt Media Inquiries
Tara DiFlumeri
Senior Vice President, Green Room Communications
908-577-4531
tara@greenroompr.com 

Terumo Media Inquiries 
Christine Romero 
Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies
press@terumobct.com

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

Government Affairs
Derek Naten
Vice President, Government Affairs & Patient Advocacy
derek.naten@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. © 2021 Mallinckrodt. 
AU-2100055 10/21 

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 October 1, 2021.
2 Filipovich, Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2005; 11:945–956.  
3 Jagasia 2015. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant. 2015; 21(3): 389–401.  
4 Pavletic et al. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant. 2006;12:252–66.
 

SOURCE  Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals