SAN FRANCISCO (Thomson Financial) - WellPoint Inc. said Monday it plans to
offer coverage of Cephalon Inc.'s Treanda, a recently approved treatment for
chronic lymphocytic leukemia, as soon as the drug is available.
The Indianapolis-based company said its affiliate health plans which provide
benefits for specialty drugs will offer the coverage. Specific benefit plans may
have variable benefits levels for specialty medications.
The company said its decision on Treanda follows the Federal Drug
Administration's approval to grant it orphan drug status for chronic lymphocytic
leukemia.
According to the National Cancer Institute, chronic lymphocytic leukemia is
the second most common type of leukemia in adults, occurring most often during
or after middle age, the company noted.
WellPoint shares were up 46 cents, or 1%, at $46.30. Cephalon's stock was up
85 cents, or 1.3%, at $64.97.
Katherine Hunt
kh/vj
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