DENVER, June 1, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Coram, Inc., a leading national provider of specialized home infusion and specialty pharmaceutical distribution services, announced today that it has been selected by Alkermes, Inc. (Nasdaq:ALKS), and Cephalon, Inc. (Nasdaq:CEPH) to be a national provider of Vivitrol(tm), the first once-monthly injectable medication for the treatment of alcohol dependence.
"We are pleased to confirm that Coram was selected to be in our network of specialty pharmacy providers," said Joseph C. Caminiti, Vice President, Healthcare Systems for Cephalon. "Our evaluation process was thorough and comprehensive and we are confident Coram will provide outstanding services for patients afflicted with this serious problem in our community."
"With this and other recent drug distribution agreements, Coram further strengthens our credentials as a leading provider of specialty pharmacy products and services," said John Arlotta, Coram's Chairman and CEO. "Coram's 25 years of experience in specialized home infusion and specialty pharmacy makes us the perfect choice for the distribution of new specialty drugs, and our national scope means we can serve patients throughout the country."
Vivitrol(tm) is the first extended-release medication available for the treatment of chronic alcohol abuse. The drug is indicated for alcohol dependent patients who are able to abstain from drinking in an outpatient setting and are not actively drinking when treatment is initiated.
Covered under major medical benefit coverage or as a self-pay medication, Vivitrol(tm) can be administered in the physician's office, at the patient's home by a Coram nurse, or in one of Coram's alternate site infusion suites. Coram will begin offering Vivitrol(tm) in June 2006 and will provide training, support and therapy education through its nearly 1,000 staff pharmacists and nurses nationwide.
About Coram
Coram is a leading national provider of home infusion and specialty pharmaceutical distribution services. With over 70 full-service branch pharmacies, the company offers both national presence and comprehensive local coverage. Coram's 25 years of experience, clinical expertise and commitment to positive outcomes has earned it a reputation for excellence among patients, clinicians and payors nationwide. The company is nationally accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc. For more information about Coram, visit www.coramhc.com or call 1.800.CoramHC.