On December 23, 2014 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved GRANIX (tbo-filgrastim) Injection for self-administration by patients and caregivers (Press release Teva, DEC 23, 2014, View Source [SID:1234501241]). With the approval of this additional administration option, physicians will soon have the flexibility to prescribe GRANIX for either in-office or at home use.

GRANIX, a leukocyte growth factor, is indicated for reduction in the duration of severe neutropenia in patients with nonmyeloid malignancies receiving myelosuppressive anticancer drugs associated with a clinically significant incidence of febrile neutropenia. GRANIX has been commercially available in the U.S. since November 2013. The currently marketed GRANIX syringe is indicated only for administration by a healthcare professional. Teva plans to launch a new GRANIX syringe, for self-administration by patients and caregivers, in early 2015.

“In partnership with their physician, patients will be able to decide whether administering GRANIX via self-injection at home or by a healthcare professional is the right course for them,” said Lee S. Schwartzberg, MD, FACP, Division Chief of Hematology Oncology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. “Selecting a course of self-administration may allow patients to consolidate the number of required visits to their physician and allow additional access for patients who have challenges in visiting their providers.”

“This new administration option demonstrates Teva’s continued commitment to enhancing the patient experience by providing patients, in partnership with their physician, with flexibility in their treatment regimen,” said Paul Rittman, Vice President and General Manager, Teva Oncology. “We are proud to be adding to the value of this important product.”