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Specialty Pharmacy Clinical Policy Bulletins
Aetna Non-Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
Subject: Apokyn-Kynmobi 2258-A SGM P2022

Drug
APOKYN  (apomorphine hydrochloride injection)
KYNMOBI®  (apomorphine hydrochloride)
apomorphine hydrochloride


Policy:

       I.  INDICATIONS

           The indications below including FDA-approved indications and
           compendial uses are considered a covered benefit provided that
           all the approval criteria are met and the member has no
           exclusions to the prescribed therapy.

           FDA-Approved Indications
           Apokyn is indicated for the acute, intermittent treatment of
           hypomobility, “off” episodes (“end-of-dose wearing off” and
           unpredictable “on/off” episodes) in patients with advanced
           Parkinson’s disease.

           Kynmobi is indicated for the acute, intermittent treatment of
           “off” episodes in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

           All other indications are considered experimental/investigational
           and not medically necessary.

 
     II.  CRITERIA FOR INITIAL APPROVAL

           Parkinson’s disease
           Authorization of 6 months may be granted for the treatment of
           acute, intermittent treatment of “off” episodes for members
           with Parkinson’s disease when all of the following criteria are
           met:
           A.  The member experiences at least 1 hour per day of “off”
                time
           B.  The member is currently being treated with
                carbidopa/levodopa
           C.  Attempts to manage “off” episodes by adjusting the dosing
                or formulation of carbidopa/levodopa were ineffective
           D.  Treatment with carbidopa/levodopa plus one of the following
                therapies was ineffective at managing “off” episodes:
                1.  Dopamine agonist (e.g., pramipexole, ropinirole)
                2.  Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitor (e.g., selegiline,
                     rasagiline)
                3.  Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) inhibitor (e.g.,
                     entacapone, tolcapone)

 
    III.  CONTINUATION OF THERAPY

            Authorization of 12 months may be granted for continued
            treatment of acute, intermittent treatment of “off” episodes for
            members with Parkinson’s disease when both of the following
            criteria are met:
            A.  The member is currently being treated with
                 carbidopa/levodopa
            B.  The member is experiencing improvement with the
                 requested medication (e.g. reduction in daily “off” time,
                 improvement in motor function post-administration)

 


Place of Service:

Outpatient

The above policy is based on the following references:
  1. Apokyn [package insert]. Louisville, KY: US WorldMeds, LLC; April 2020.
  2. Kynmobi [package insert]. Marlborough, MA: Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc.; May 2022.
  3. Miyasaki JM, Martin W, Suchowersky O, et al. Practice parameter: Initiation of treatment for Parkinson’s disease: An evidence-based review. Neurology Jan 2002, 58 (1) 11-17.
  4. National Institute for Clinical Excellence: Parkinson’s disease in adults. July 2017. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng71/resources/parkinsons-disease-in-adults-pdf-1837629189061. Accessed August 16, 2022.
  5. Fox SH, Katzenschlager R, Lim SY, et al. International Parkinson and movement disorder society evidence-based medicine review: update on treatments for the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Mov Disord. 2018; 33(8):1248-1266.
  6. Apomorphine hydrochloride [package insert]. Lee, MA: Berkshire Sterile Manufacturing, Inc. February 2022.

 

Copyright Aetna Inc. All rights reserved. Pharmacy Clinical Policy Bulletins are developed by Aetna to assist in administering plan benefits and constitute neither offers of coverage nor medical advice. This Clinical Policy Bulletin contains only a partial, general description of plan or program benefits and does not constitute a contract. Aetna does not provide health care services and, therefore, cannot guarantee any results or outcomes. Participating providers are independent contractors in private practice and are neither employees nor agents of Aetna or its affiliates. Treating providers are solely responsible for medical advice and treatment of members. This Clinical Policy Bulletin may be updated and therefore is subject to change.

February 12, 2023
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