InfuScience Procures Vivaglobin(R) For In-Home Infusion Therapy

Main Category: Immune System / Vaccines
Also Included In: Regulatory Affairs / Drug Approvals;  Blood / Hematology
Article Date: 24 Apr 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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InfuScience Inc., a specialty infusion provider offering infusion therapy services and specialized clinical programs, is now an approved distributor of Immune Globulin Subcutaneous (Human), Vivaglobin®, through all of its infusion locations. Vivaglobin, made from human plasma, is the first and only FDA-approved subcutaneous (SC) immunoglobulin (IG) treatment for Primary Immunodeficiency (PI), enabling patients under a physician's care to self-administer treatment at home.

"The ability to self administer life-saving IG treatment in the comfort of one's own home is a tremendous convenience for people living with PI," said Chris York, CEO of InfuScience, Inc. "InfuScience is proud to make infusion therapy even more accessible and efficient than before with Vivaglobin."

CSL Behring, maker of Vivaglobin, provides training on the administration techniques of subcutaneous Ig therapy with Vivaglobin and clinical monitoring for all InfuScience pharmacy and nursing staff. InfuScience provides patients with Vivaglobin and related supplies and equipment.

InfuScience's equity partner is Thoma Cressey Bravo, a leading private equity firm with more than 27 years of experience. The principals of the firm have been active healthcare investors for nearly three decades and have invested in a wide range of healthcare businesses.

The Vivaglobin Advantage with InfuScience

Vivaglobin delivers treatment directly under the skin via a small, portable pump, offering a safe and effective alternative to the intravenous (IV) infusion of immunoglobulin. This alternative is especially convenient for those who suffer intolerable side effects from the IV method and those whose veins are difficult to access, including the elderly and small children.

In a clinical research study led by Hans Ochs, M.D., of the University of Washington, patients assessed for health-related quality of life reported increases in general health and showed a preference for SC administration over IV administration.

About InfuScience Inc.

Formed in January 2006 through a partnership with Thoma Cressey Bravo (http://www.tcb.com), InfuScience (http://www.infuscience.com) is focused on providing a better experience for their customers by maintaining high standards of infusion therapy, innovation and integrity within the industry. Prior to founding InfuScience, chief executive officer Christopher York and chief financial officer Thomas Komula jointly led a highly-successful, national specialty infusion therapy provider. York has been the chief executive for Critical Care Systems, and chief operating officer for Coram Healthcare Corp. Komula has served as the CFO for Critical Care Systems, Alterra Healthcare Corp. and Medrehab Inc. About Vivaglobin Immune Globulin Subcutaneous (Human), Vivaglobin®, is indicated for the treatment of patients with primary immunodeficiency (PI). As with all immune globulin products, Vivaglobin® is contraindicated in individuals with a history of anaphylactic or severe systemic response to immune globulin preparations and in persons with selective immunoglobulin A deficiency who have known antibody against IgA. If anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions are suspected, discontinue administration immediately and treat as medically appropriate.

Vivaglobin® is derived from human plasma. As with all plasma-derived products, the risk of transmission of infectious agents, including viruses and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent, cannot be completely eliminated.

In clinical trials, the most frequent adverse event was injection-site reaction, consisting of mild or moderate swelling, redness, and itching. No serious local site reactions were observed, and reactions tended to decrease substantially after repeated use. Other adverse events irrespective of causality included headache, gastrointestinal disorder, fever, nausea, sore throat, and rash.

For more information about Vivaglobin, including the full prescribing information, please visit http://www.vivaglobin.com. Vivaglobin is a trademark of CSL Behring.

Vivaglobin