2 Infusion Centers for gMG Patients, Assisted by Nurses, Open in Ohio
Vyvgart, Soliris, and Ultomiris among treatments at Virtis Health sites
Virtis Health announced that it will open two ambulatory centers in Ohio — one in Columbus and the other in Cleveland — for people in need of infusion therapies, including those with myasthenia gravis (MG).
Virtis is a division of Soleo Health, a pharmacy specialized in the delivery of infusion therapies to the home or other sites of care. Soleo is the U.S. distributor selected to administer Vyvgart (efgartigimod), Argenx’s newly approved treatment for people with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG).
These infusion centers also treat patients using two other approved gMG therapies, Soliris (eculizumab) and Ultomiris (ravulizumab-cwvz), both developed by Alexion Pharmaceuticals, a representative for Virtis Health said in an email reply to Myasthenia Gravis News.
Medicare, Medicaid among accepted health insurance providers
Their combined services are expected to offer patients with MG clinical expertise and flexible care options at cost-effective settings designed to meet their needs. Medicare, Medicaid, and other health insurances are accepted at both centers.
“The Virtis Health model brings different clinically advantageous options to patients and prescribers throughout the state. We are confident the expanded Virtis Health service model, which offers highly personalized care in a comfortable setting, will be a welcome addition to the Ohio medical landscape,” Matt Brenamen, the company’s regional business leader, said in a press release.
The two centers, called Virtis Health Columbus and Virtis Health Cleveland, are open from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Appointments for the evenings and weekends are available, but need to be arranged in advance.
People with inflammatory conditions, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (two types of inflammatory bowel disease), rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune disorders, including multiple sclerosis and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, are also welcomed.
Katelyn Heilman was named advanced nurse practitioner of Virtis Health Columbus. She holds a master of science degree in nursing from Chamberlain College of nursing, and is a certified family nurse practitioner with over a decade of experience in providing critical care for both children and adults.
Lauren Pica, who also holds a master of science in nursing and is a certified family nurse practitioner with over five years of experience at an outpatient infusion center and at the intensive care unit (ICU), will assist Heilman.
Virtis Health Cleveland is led by Katie Novak, an advanced nurse practitioner with seven years of clinical experience, including in providing care to children and young adults in the ICU and critical care transport. She also has experience in the field of allergies and immunology.
Novak has a bachelor of science degree in nursing and holds a master of science degree in family practice. She obtained her bachelor’s at the University of Cincinnati and her master’s degree at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Teams at the Virtis Health centers will manage all patient needs, including the administration of into-the-vein and injectable medications. They will also monitor patients’ status during and after treatment. Clinical pharmacists are also available, upon request, to support both ambulatory infusion centers.
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