By Alivia Kaylor

A leading specialty and home delivery pharmacy in the United States and a subsidiary of Walgreens, AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy has been selected as one of four specialty pharmacies to distribute XDEMVY (lotilaner ophthalmic solution) 0.25 per cent. According to the manufacturer of XDEMVY — Tarsus Pharmaceuticals — four pharmacies across the country have been activated to work with eye care practitioners’ (ECPs’) offices:

• AllianceRx Walgreens
• BlinkRx
• Carepoint
• CVS Specialty

XDEMVY is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for Demodex blepharitis (DB), a prevalent eyelid disease affecting approximately 25 million eye care patients in the US. This addition, approved on July 25, 2023, further expands AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy’s extensive range of limited distribution drugs (LDDs) to over 240, solidifying its position among the top specialty pharmacies in the country.

Demodex blepharitis is caused by an infestation of Demodex mites, the most common ectoparasites found on human skin. The symptoms of Demodex blepharitis can be easily mistaken for other eye conditions — such as dry eye or allergies, leading to potential misdiagnosis. If left untreated, Demodex blepharitis can result in inflammation of the eyelid and conjunctiva, as well as corneal complications.

Chief Operating Officer at Walgreens Enterprise Specialty, Tracey James, RPh, expressed enthusiasm over Tarsus Pharmaceuticals’ selection of AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy as a distribution partner. 

“We are excited that Tarsus has chosen us to be part of this network and offer this highly sought-after medication to our patients,” said James. “The opportunity to distribute a limited distribution drug is a testament to the exceptional care we provide to our patients, the support we offer to healthcare providers, and the comprehensive services we provide throughout the treatment journey.”

Specialty360 Therapy Director for endocrine, organ, and infectious diseases at AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy, Janice Havlik, RPh highlighted the important role that specialty pharmacists play in helping patients initiate their therapy. 

She emphasized the commitment of their pharmacists to patient education, ensuring that individuals have a clear understanding of their treatment and know what to expect. Furthermore, AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy’s pharmacists are available 24/7 to address any questions or concerns that may arise during treatment.

Alongside XDEMVY, AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy offers patients several other limited distribution drugs (LDDs), including the following.

BrixadiTM (buprenorphine): an extended-release injection for subcutaneous use (CIII), distributed by Braeburn for the treatment of moderate-to-severe opioid use disorder.

ColumviTM (glofitamab): manufactured by Genentech, is used to treat adults with certain types of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma or large B-cell lymphoma that has relapsed or is refractory and who have received two or more prior treatments for their cancer.

Vyvgart Hytrulo (efgartigimod alfa-fcab): manufactured by Argenx, is a subcutaneous injection designed for adults with anti-AChR antibody-positive generalized myasthenia gravis. This chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease causes weakness in the skeletal muscles.

By ensuring access to these medications, coupled with the personalized support of their Specialty360 Therapy Teams, AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy aims to enhance patient outcomes and improve the overall quality of care.