Onco360 Selected By Rigel Pharmaceuticals As Specialty Pharmacy Partner For VEPPANU Breast Cancer Therapy

Onco360, one of the leading independent specialty pharmacies in the United States, has been selected by Rigel Pharmaceuticals as a specialty pharmacy partner for VEPPANU™ (vepdegestrant). The newly approved therapy is indicated for adults with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, ESR1-mutated advanced or metastatic breast cancer, as confirmed by an FDA-authorised test, whose disease has progressed after at least one line of endocrine therapy.

Through this partnership, Onco360 will help improve patient access to VEPPANU while providing specialised pharmacy services, personalised clinical support, and ongoing care throughout treatment. The collaboration further strengthens the long-standing relationship between Onco360 and Rigel Pharmaceuticals and aims to ensure eligible patients receive timely access to this new treatment option.

Commenting on the partnership, Benito Fernandez, Chief Commercial Officer at Onco360, said the company is pleased to continue working with Rigel Pharmaceuticals to expand treatment options for patients with breast cancer. He added that such collaborations allow Onco360 to accelerate access to innovative therapies while delivering personalised support and compassionate care at every stage of the patient journey.

VEPPANU is the first FDA-approved PROteolysis TArgeting Chimera (PROTAC) therapy in its class for this indication. The treatment works by binding to the estrogen receptor (ER) and the E3 ligase cereblon (CRBN), triggering the degradation of the estrogen receptor protein within cancer cells. By reducing ER protein levels, the therapy aims to slow or stop the growth of ER-positive breast cancer.

The FDA approval of VEPPANU was based on results from the Phase 3 VERITAC-2 clinical trial, which compared vepdegestrant with fulvestrant in patients with ER-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Among patients with ESR1 mutations, VEPPANU demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival, reducing the risk of disease progression or death by 43% compared with fulvestrant. 

The most commonly reported side effects included reduced white blood cell counts, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, decreased haemoglobin and neutrophil levels, elevated liver enzymes, reduced appetite, constipation, and changes in certain laboratory parameters.

With the addition of VEPPANU to its portfolio, Onco360 continues to expand its support for oncology patients by providing access to newly approved therapies alongside comprehensive specialty pharmacy services. The partnership is expected to help eligible patients receive innovative treatment more efficiently while ensuring ongoing clinical guidance and medication management throughout their care.