Cary, N.C., Aug. 27, 2026 – Biologics by McKesson, an independent specialty pharmacy specializing in oncology, cell and gene, and rare disease therapies, has been selected by Cycle Pharmaceuticals as a limited distribution specialty pharmacy provider for CAVHANZA™ (nilotinib) Orally Disintegrating Tablets. CAVHANZA is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase; and/or adult patients with chronic phase (CP) and accelerated phase (AP) Ph+ CML resistant to or intolerant to prior therapy that included imatinib.
Ph+ CML is a rare blood cancer that often requires lifelong monitoring and long-term treatment. As patients navigate treatment, factors such as concomitant medications, dosing convenience, and individual preferences may influence the overall treatment experience. CAVHANZA offers a distinct option within the nilotinib landscape. Administrable alongside proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and/or H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) with no timing restrictions, the new treatment addresses a known clinical challenge, where approximately 47% of patients with Ph+ CML may also require acid-reducing agents such as PPIs that may compromise treatment bioavailability.1,2
In addition, as the first FDA-approved ODT formulation of nilotinib, CAVHANZA offers simplified administration: tablets can be taken with or without food or water, providing flexibility for patients. 1,3
“For people living with chronic myeloid leukemia, treatment is often a long-term part of daily life, making convenience and access especially important,” said Ryan Hampton, VP, Industry Relations & Implementation, Biologics by McKesson. “We are proud to partner with Cycle Pharmaceuticals on the launch of CAVHANZA and help ensure patients and providers have access to this newly available treatment option. Partnerships like this reflect our commitment to supporting biopharmaceutical innovators as they bring new therapies to market.”
For more information, please visit and read the CAVHANZA prescribing information.
Biologics by McKesson is committed to and recognized for its level of customer service as well as its innovative, high-touch, and multidisciplinary approach. Putting patients first in all they do, the Biologics’ pharmacy team includes pharmacists with in-depth knowledge of therapies, experienced nurses, and financial counselors who are familiar with various financial assistance programs and organizations that help patients.
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About Cycle Pharmaceuticals
Cycle Pharmaceuticals was founded in 2012 with the sole aim of delivering drug treatments and product support to the underserved rare disease community. Cycle Pharma focuses on rare genetic conditions in metabolics, immunology, urology, and oncology. In neurology, we focus on multiple sclerosis. Cycle Pharma is headquartered in Cambridge, UK. For more information, please visit www.cyclepharma.com and follow us on X, LinkedIn and Facebook.
References
- CAVHANZATM (nilotinib) Orally Disintegrating Tablets. Prescribing Information. Flex Pharma.
- Larfors, G. et al. (2023). Despite warnings, co-medication with proton pump inhibitors and dasatinib is common in chronic myeloid leukemia, but XS004, a novel oral dasatinib formulation, provides reduced pH-dependence, minimizing undesirable drug-drug interactions. European journal of haematology, [online] 111(4), pp.644–654. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/ejh.14059.
- Ghourichay, M.P., Kiaie, S.H., Nokhodchi, A. & Javadzadeh, Y. (2021) Formulation and Quality Control of Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODTs): Recent Advances and Perspectives.BioMed Research International, 2021, Article ID 6618934. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6618934.