IBSA TO MAKE HYPOTHYROIDISM TREATMENT MORE AFFORDABLE

IBSA

Partner With Online Pharmacy To Offer

IBSA Pharma announced that it has entered into an agreement with Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, PBC (Cost Plus Drugs) to offer Tirosint® (levothyroxine sodium) oral capsules at a low cash price via the Cost Plus Drugs online pharmacy. The agreement is the first of its kind for a branded levothyroxine drug. Levothyroxine is a synthetic hormone used to treat hypothyroidism. It is one of the most widely dispensed prescription medications in the United States with an estimated 116 million prescriptions filled in 2016.

Tirosint capsules is the leading branded gel capsule formulation of levothyroxine in the US. It is formulated without excipients that can cause tolerability and drug absorption problems commonly observed with traditional levothyroxine tablet therapies. Tirosint has money savings options available for patients, their availability in the Cost Plus Drugs programme is a first for both companies.

Cost Plus Drugs launched its online pharmacy in 2021 and was co-founded by investor-entrepreneur Mark Cuban to reduce the cost of prescription medications. It offers the most commonly prescribed drugs at low transparent prices by negotiating prices directly with manufacturers and passing along the savings to consumers. ‘Everyone should have access to safe, affordable prescription drugs at transparent prices,’ commented Cuban at the company’s founding. Currently, most of Cost Plus Drugs’ offerings are generic drugs. The agreement with IBSA marks one of the company’s first forays into the branded segment of the US pharmaceutical market. Cuban is currently a Tirosint patient.

Commenting on the agreement, IBSA Pharma CEO Nicholas Hart stated that ‘hypothyroidism is a prevalent condition with significant public health implications. We are delighted to offer Tirosint capsules to patients via

TIROSINT

At Low Cost

Cost Plus Drugs. Tirosint has been clinically proven to provide the benefits of levothyroxine, the standard of care for treating hypothyroidism, in a formulation that is free of gluten, dyes, lactose, sugars and other excipients commonly found in tablet formulations. These can be problematic for many patients. Studies have shown that up to 31% of levothyroxine-treated patients have gastrointestinal and other problems that can lead to underperformance of levothyroxine therapy and suboptimal control of hypothyroidism.’

Tirosint capsules is a prescription medication that IBSA Pharma markets to physicians and patients. Tirosint capsules are indicated to treat hypothyroidism in patients six years and older and available in a range of doses.

About hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder with numerous causes resulting in a deficiency in thyroid hormone. More than 27 million adults have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and up to 13 million Americans have undiagnosed hypothyroidism. About 2% of the U.S. population has pronounced hypothyroidism, and as much as 10% has subclinical (mild) hypothyroidism. The condition is most common in women over 40 years of age and in the elderly of both sexes. The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism are nonspecific and may include fatigue, forgetfulness, depression, constipation, muscle cramps, weight gain, dry skin and hair loss. TSH laboratory tests are recommended as first-line screening tests for thyroid dysfunction. Levothyroxine sodium is a synthetic version of a hormone that is normally produced by the thyroid gland. It is used to treat patients who suffer from hypothyroidism or inadequate levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).