educating healthcare professionals and advancing public policy for the Alpha-1 Community.” 
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October 21, 2003
Dear Alpha-1 Community Member:
Change is good. And change is here for the Alpha-1 community. I am pleased to announce that Baxter has completed its acquisition of all manufacturing and distribution rights to ARALASTTM, also known as Alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor (A1-PI), for treatment of hereditary emphysema.
At Baxter, we're committed to building lasting confidence within the Alpha-1 community. To do that, we believe the lack of awareness and the difficulty in obtaining treatment for the disease must change. That's why we're bringing about change with ARALASTTM, a new brand of product for treating AAT deficiency.
ARALASTTM, alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (human), is indicated for chronic augmentation therapy in patients having congenital deficiency of A1-PI with clinically evident emphysema. As a leading developer of plasma-derived biopharmaceutical therapies, Baxter has a long and successful track record of providing a safe and reliable supply of critical therapies to patients with life-threatening conditions. We are committed to applying our technical expertise to increase the supplies of ARALASTTM and help bring lasting confidence to the Alpha-1 community.
Over the last month, we have been delighted to receive correspondence from patients who have received ARALASTTMand who are doing very well. And that's not surprising when you take a closer look at ARALASTTM. ARALASTTM is well tolerated.
Data from a pivotal study demonstrated:
- biochemical efficacy in restoring serum AAT levels above the protective threshold,1
- maintenance of lung function for 24 weeks when patients were infused weekly.1
In addition, ARALASTTM is prepared using nanofiltration and solvent/detergent, a two-step viral treatment process designed to reduce the risk of viral transmission and enhance safety.
Your convenience and peace of mind are important, too.
ARALASTTM is available through high-quality homecare services for customized patient care. You'll enjoy the convenience of nationwide, home-based nursing as provided by
reputable specialty pharmacy providers.
You'll benefit from flexible reimbursement options, too. Specialty pharmacies have wide access to most insurance plans, offering patients in-network benefits. In-network benefits may provide you with fewer out-of-pocket expenses, and treatment is reimbursed by Medicare, for those eligible, when administered in a hospital or infusion center.
Baxter looks forward to making a valuable, long-term contribution to you and the entire Alpha-1 community. You will find we take great pride in the educational leadership, patient advocacy and therapeutic support programs that accompany our therapy offerings.
For more information about ARALASTTM, specialty pharmacy providers or patient assistance programs, please contact us at 1-800-423-2090.
Best Regards,
Lawrence P. Guiheen
President, BioPharmaceuticals
Baxter Healthcare Corporation
1. Stoller JK, Rouhani F, Brantly M, et al. Biochemical efficacy and safety of a new pooled human plasma Alpha1-antitrypsin, Respitin. CHEST. 2002; 122:66-74.
Please refer to attached full prescribing information for further information. The most common symptoms during the clinical study were headache (0.3%) and somnolence (0.3%). As with any plasma-derived therapeutic, the potential to transmit infectious agents cannot be totally eliminated.
For more information about Baxter, please visit www.baxter.com
and is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Copyright © 2003 Baxter Healthcare Corporation. All rights reserved 10/03.
Telephone: 540-948-6777 or 1-866-FOR-A1AA (1-866-367-2122) Fax # 540-948-6763
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