CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: XERS), a specialty pharmaceutical company leveraging its novel formulation technology platforms to develop and commercialize ready-to-use injectable and infusible drug formulations, today announced it has extended its $0 copay offer for Gvoke™ Pre-Filled Syringe (PFS) for commercially eligible patients effective through May 31, 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We realize access to hospitals may be limited right now, which makes it even more important that patients have the tools they need at home to manage their blood sugar safely and securely in these trying times. If a low blood sugar emergency occurs, we strongly believe patients need access to Gvoke PFS, a premixed and premeasured subcutaneous injection that is easy to use and easy to know you did it right,” said Paul R. Edick, Chairman and CEO of Xeris.
The $0 copay offer is available to commercially insured patients, who may or may not have Gvoke PFS covered by their insurance plan*.
To access a digital copay card, please go to https://www.gvokeglucagon.com/savings-and-support.
*Offer not valid for prescriptions reimbursed under Medicaid, a Medicare drug benefit plan, TRICARE, or other federal or state health programs (such as medical assistance programs).
About Severe Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemic events of any severity are a daily concern for people with diabetes. Mild or moderate hypoglycemia can occur multiple times a month. Severe hypoglycemia is characterized by severe cognitive impairment, requiring external assistance for recovery, and can be extremely frightening for patients and caregivers. Severe hypoglycemia can result in cardiovascular disease, seizure, coma, and, if left untreated, death. These severe hypoglycemic events can occur multiple times a year. Such events require emergency assistance from another person or caregiver such as a family member, friend, or co-worker.
About Glucagon
Glucagon is a metabolic hormone secreted by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels by causing the liver to rapidly convert glycogen (the stored form of glucose) into glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream. Glucagon and insulin are two critical hormones in a glycemic control system that keep blood glucose at the right level in healthy individuals. In people with diabetes who are dependent on insulin, this control system is disrupted, and insulin must be injected to avoid high levels of blood glucose (hyperglycemia). The opposite effect, or low blood glucose (hypoglycemia), is also prevalent in this population due to dysregulated glucagon secretion. Severe hypoglycemia is a serious condition and can lead to seizures, coma, potential brain injury and, if untreated, death.
Glucagon is the standard of care for treating severe hypoglycemia. According to the American Diabetes Association, glucagon should be prescribed for all individuals at increased risk of clinically significant hypoglycemia, defined as blood glucose