DMD treatment Kymbee launches with support program for patients
Corticosteroid tablet available in U.S. to patients 5 and older
Upsher-Smith Laboratories is launching a new corticosteroid treatment for people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in the U.S. ages 5 and older.
The therapy, branded Kymbee, is an oral tablet formulation of deflazacort, a corticosteroid available for DMD patients under brand names including Emflaza.
Patients taking Kymbee will have access to Upsher-Smith’s Promise of Support program, an initiative the company debuted last year to support people with rare diseases. The program’s offerings include services aimed at ensuring speedy and reliable access to medication, aid in navigating insurance coverage issues, a dedicated support team, and copay assistance for some patients.
“At Upsher-Smith, we recognize the challenges associated with accessing certain medications for DMD and the stress this can create for families,” Michelle Zachman, Upsher-Smith’s medical affairs director, said in a company press release. “Through the availability of Kymbee and our Promise of Support Program, we’re proud to offer a U.S.-manufactured product, backed by our comprehensive support program designed to help ease some of the challenges associated with prescribing and accessing deflazacort.”
Kymbee is available in 6 mg, 18 mg, 30 mg, and 36 mg tablets. It will be manufactured at a facility in Minnesota and distributed by Orsini Specialty Pharmacy.
Corticosteroids a mainstay of treatment
DMD, the most common type of muscular dystrophy, is a genetic disorder marked by progressive muscle weakness and wasting. Corticosteroids such as deflazacort have for decades been a mainstay of DMD treatment. These medications work by mimicking the activity of cortisol, a hormone that’s naturally produced by the body in response to stress.
Cortisol has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, so corticosteroids are commonly used to help manage inflammation. In DMD, corticosteroids can help reduce muscle damage, slowing the progression of the disease and allowing patients to retain physical functionality for a longer period.
The most common side effects associated with Kymbee include weight gain, increased appetite, upper respiratory infections, cough, frequent urination, extra hair growth, belly-centered weight gain, and cold-like symptoms.
People who have a hypersensitivity to or have had allergic reactions to deflazacort, Kymbee’s active ingredient, or to any of its inactive ingredients, should not take this medicine.
Patients and healthcare providers with questions about Kymbee can contact Upsher-Smith at 1-888-650-3789.
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