Shorla Oncology Expands U.S. Presence with New Sales & Market Access Teams
Shorla Oncology (‘Shorla’), a U.S.-Ireland specialty pharmaceutical company, has officially launched a dedicated sales force and market access teams to support the commercial rollout of IMKELDI, the first oral liquid form of imatinib. This innovative formulation is designed to improve dosing precision and convenience for patients battling chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), myelodysplastic syndrome/myeloproliferative disease (MDS/MPD), and gastrointestinal tumors (GIST).
Expanding U.S. Commercial Presence
With the establishment of a specialized sales force and market access teams, Shorla aims to strengthen its presence in the U.S. oncology market. This strategic move ensures that oncology professionals and healthcare providers have direct access to the necessary resources and information about IMKELDI, empowering them to make informed treatment decisions for their patients.
“The launch of our sales force and market access teams is a pivotal moment for Shorla as we establish a direct presence in the U.S. oncology market, where effective treatments continue to be important for many patients with cancer,” said Sharon Cunningham, CEO of Shorla Oncology. “By bringing IMKELDI to more patients, we are reinforcing our commitment to advancing oncology care with innovative and patient-friendly treatment solutions.”
Leadership and Sales Team Expansion
Shorla’s newly launched sales force is spearheaded by industry veteran Rob Rice, the company’s National Sales Director. Rice brings extensive experience in pharmaceutical sales and oncology commercialization, ensuring that the company’s sales operations are strategically aligned with healthcare provider needs. This team comprises representatives from both EVERSANA and Shorla, providing nationwide coverage and a deep understanding of the oncology treatment landscape.
Additionally, Shorla has built an internal market access team, led by Jeremy Teasell, VP of Market Access. Teasell, a seasoned leader in oncology market access, will oversee strategies to ensure IMKELDI remains both accessible and affordable for patients. This includes collaborations with payers, healthcare providers, and specialty pharmacy partners to streamline distribution and reimbursement processes.
“With the leadership of Rob and Jeremy and our strong field and account management teams, we are poised to bring IMKELDI to healthcare providers and patients who need a convenient formulation of imatinib that allows for precise dosing,” said Rayna Herman, Chief Commercial Officer of Shorla Oncology. “This is a critical step in our mission to enhance cancer care through innovative treatment options.”
Ensuring Affordability and Access
As part of its commitment to patient care, Shorla has partnered with EVERSANA’s specialty pharmacy to dispense IMKELDI free of charge to eligible uninsured patients through its Patient Assistance Program (PAP). This initiative is designed to remove financial barriers that may prevent patients from accessing life-saving medications.
IMKELDI, which received FDA approval in November 2024, is now available for order through specialty distribution partners in the U.S. The drug’s advanced liquid formulation offers an alternative for patients who may struggle with traditional tablet-based treatments, ensuring better adherence and improved therapeutic outcomes.
The Importance of IMKELDI in Oncology Care
IMKELDI represents a significant advancement in the treatment of leukemia and other cancers. Imatinib, the active ingredient in IMKELDI, is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that works by blocking abnormal proteins that signal cancer cells to grow. The drug has been proven effective in slowing or halting the progression of CML, ALL, MDS/MPD, and GIST, making it a cornerstone therapy in modern oncology.
Despite the well-documented clinical benefits of imatinib, adherence remains a significant challenge for many patients. Studies have shown that adherence rates for imatinib therapy can be suboptimal due to factors such as difficulty swallowing pills, medication side effects, and financial burdens. IMKELDI’s liquid formulation addresses many of these issues by offering a more patient-friendly dosing option that ensures more precise administration, particularly for pediatric and elderly populations who may struggle with solid dosage forms.
Strategic Industry Collaborations
Shorla’s expansion in the U.S. market is reinforced through its partnership with EVERSANA, a global leader in commercialization services for life sciences companies. EVERSANA is providing a full suite of support services, including field sales operations, market access solutions, and patient support programs, to maximize IMKELDI’s reach and impact.
“We’re proud to support Shorla’s next phase of growth,” said Jim Lang, CEO of EVERSANA. “Our collaboration ensures oncology professionals have the right resources to provide necessary treatment options to patients with cancer. Together, we are addressing the unmet needs in oncology care and working to improve patient outcomes through accessible and innovative solutions.”
The Growing Need for Effective Cancer Treatments
Cancer remains a major public health challenge, with leukemia and gastrointestinal tumors affecting thousands of individuals in the U.S. alone. In 2024, an estimated 9,280 people were diagnosed with CML, over 10,000 with MDS/MPD, and up to 6,000 with GIST. The demand for targeted and well-tolerated therapies is higher than ever, making Shorla’s introduction of IMKELDI particularly timely.
The introduction of new treatment formulations like IMKELDI provides oncologists and hematologists with more flexible options to tailor therapy to individual patient needs. By improving accessibility, simplifying administration, and enhancing adherence, Shorla aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families.
Future Outlook and Continued Innovation
Shorla Oncology continues to build on its momentum, exploring further innovations in oncology treatment. With the success of IMKELDI and the establishment of its dedicated sales and market access teams, the company is well-positioned to introduce additional therapies that meet the evolving needs of cancer patients worldwide.
The company’s growth strategy focuses on expanding its product pipeline, forging strategic partnerships, and enhancing patient support initiatives. As Shorla strengthens its presence in the U.S. market, its commitment to improving cancer care through innovation remains unwavering.
