educating healthcare professionals and advancing public policy for the Alpha-1 Community.” 
|
08-26-2003
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania,
Aventis Behring L.L.C.
is pleased to announce the selection of Accredo Health, Incorporated as the exclusive specialty pharmacy provider of Zemaira™ (alpha1-proteinase inhibitor [human]) in the United States and Puerto Rico.
New Zemaira™ received approval in July from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as chronic augmentation and maintenance therapy in individuals with alpha1-proteinase inhibitor deficiency (Alpha-1), a life-threatening genetic disorder in some individuals who demonstrate clinical evidence of emphysema. Left untreated, this form of emphysema can be fatal.
“Aventis Behring is pleased that our relationship with Accredo Health will provide an exciting new treatment option and critically needed product to the Alpha-1 Community,” said Joseph Pugliese, vice president and general manager, Aventis Behring North America. “In addition to being safe and effective, Zemaira™ can be stored and transported at room temperature, which will provide the Alpha-1 Community with the opportunity to live a more flexible lifestyle.”
“Aventis Behring's agreement with Accredo Health, Inc is designed to ensure that our initially limited product supply will be distributed fairly and that those patients receiving Zemaira™ will receive a comprehensive level of support services,” continued Mr. Pugliese.
“We are pleased to work with Aventis Behring to make this life-saving therapy, Zemaira™, available to people with Alpha-1 and emphysema,” said David D. Stevens, chairman and chief executive officer of Accredo Health.
Aventis Behring has also developed a new program for those who will be treated with Zemaira™. The Zemaira™ Assurance Program is designed to ensure that qualified people who rely on this product can continue to receive Zemaira™ even if they experience a lapse in third-party, private health insurance.
Patients and healthcare professionals should visit www.Zemaira.com or call 1-866-Zemaira (1-866-936-2472) for more information about Zemaira™ and Aventis Behring's unique programs.
About Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor Deficiency
Alpha-1 affects approximately 100,000 Americans according to the Alpha-1 Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing the awareness and early diagnosis of this life-threatening genetic disorder. Unlike emphysema that develops as a result of smoke inhalation, chronic emphysema caused by Alpha-1 is an inherited condition that may affect both the structure and the function of the lungs and may affect individuals as young as thirty years of age. If left untreated, Alpha-1 can lead to premature death.
About Aventis Behring
Aventis Behring, part of the Aventis family of companies, is a global leader in the plasma protein industry, providing a wide range of innovative and high-quality medicines to patients worldwide. Aventis Behring is dedicated to research and development in the area of human blood plasma as well as in emerging technologies. For more information about Aventis Behring, please visit:
Aventis (NYSE: AVE) is dedicated to treating and preventing disease by discovering and developing innovative prescription drugs and human vaccines. In 2002, Aventis generated sales of €17.6 billion, invested €3.1 billion in research and development and employed approximately 71,000 people in its core business. Aventis corporate headquarters are in Strasbourg, France. For more information, please visit:
Statements in this news release other than historical information are forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially depending on factors such as the availability of resources, the timing and effects of regulatory actions, the strength of competition, the outcome of litigation and the effectiveness of patent protection. Additional information regarding risks and uncertainties is set forth in the current Annual Report on Form 20-F of Aventis on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Patients and healthcare professionals should visit www.Zemaira.com or call 1-866-Zemaira (1-866-936-2472) for more information about Zemaira(TM) and Aventis Behring's unique programs.
Telephone: 540-948-6777 or 1-866-FOR-A1AA (1-866-367-2122) Fax # 540-948-6763
Copyright © 2005 Alpha-1 Advocacy Alliance, All Rights Reserved
Home | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy