Coram Specialty Infusion Services to Provide Gattex (R) Drug to be Used as Treatment for Short Bowel Syndrome

DENVER, Dec. 27, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coram Specialty Infusion Services, a leading national provider of specialty home infusion and specialty pharmaceutical distribution services, has announced that it has become an approved limited distribution provider for NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of Gattex (teduglutide [rDNA origin]) for injection. Gattex is a novel, recombinant analog of human glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2), a peptide involved in normal intestinal function and fluid and nutrient absorption. A New Drug Application for Gattex, for use in treatment of short bowel syndrome (SBS) in adults, was approved on December 21 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The unique mechanism of Gattex would make it the first and only long-term therapy that treats the underlying cause of SBS, a rare disorder in which nutrients are not properly absorbed because a large part of the small intestine is missing or has been surgically removed. Gattex works by helping patients increase their ability to absorb nutrients and fluids. Many SBS patients depend on IV nutrition, also called parenteral nutrition (PN), to meet their nutrition needs, and Gattex can reduce or even eliminate patients' dependence on PN therapy. If approved, Gattex will be available through Coram's network of more than 85 branches across the country, including over 65 ambulatory infusion suites.

"We are pleased to add Gattex to the list of treatments we have available for adult patients with short bowel syndrome," said John Figueroa, Chief Executive Officer of Coram and Chairman of the Board of Apria Healthcare Group Inc., Coram's parent company. "Coram's Nourish(TM) Nutrition Support Program and our 30-year history as a provider of home nutrition support makes us an excellent choice as a distribution partner for Gattex. Our ability to offer this therapy, in combination with the expertise of our Home Nutrition Support Teams, can assist patients with SBS in reducing their PN dependency."

"Our partnership with Coram will play a key role in the clinical and educational services that we provide to improve the medical outcomes of adult short bowel syndrome patients," said Francois Nader, MD, Chief Executive Officer, NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. "In addition, Coram's national and local presence will help us accelerate the identification of patients who may be eligible for and benefit from Gattex therapy."

Coram is a leading national provider of specialty home infusion and specialty pharmaceutical distribution services. With locations across the country, the company offers both national presence and comprehensive local coverage. Coram's 30 years of nutrition support therapy experience, clinical expertise and commitment to positive outcomes has earned it a reputation for excellence among patients, clinicians and payers nationwide. The company is nationally accredited by The Joint Commission. For more information about Coram, visit coramhc.com or call 1.800.CORAMHC.

More:
Coram Specialty Infusion Services to Provide Gattex (R) Drug to be Used as Treatment for Short Bowel Syndrome