AdvancePCS Signs Agreement with Genentech to Distribute RAPTIVA, a New Therapy for Plaque Psoriasis.Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers IRVING, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 27, 2004 AdvancePCS (Nasdaq: ADVP), the nation's leading health improvement company, today announced that its specialty pharmacy, AdvancePCS SpecialtyRx, has signed an agreement with Genentech Inc. (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange : DNA DNA: see nucleic acid. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid One of two types of nucleic acid (the other is RNA); a complex organic compound found in all living cells and many viruses. It is the chemical substance of genes. ) to provide RAPTIVA(TM) (efalizumab) to patients who have their pharmacy benefits managed by AdvancePCS. RAPTIVA was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Oct. 27, 2003, for the treatment of chronic moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults age 18 or older who are candidates for systemic therapy systemic therapy Therapeutics Any therapy that reaches target tissues via the systemic circulation or phototherapy Phototherapy Definition Phototherapy, or light therapy, is the administration of doses of bright light in order to normalize the body's internal clock and/or relieve depression. . Of the 4.5 million Americans with psoriasis, about 500,000 may be initial candidates for this new biologic therapy. Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition, occurs when new skin cells grow abnormally, resulting in inflamed, swollen and scaly scal·y adj. 1. Covered or partially covered with scales. 2. Shedding scales or flakes; flaking. scaly skin condition characterized by scales; scalelike. patches of skin where the old skin has not shed quickly enough. Plaque psoriasis, the most common form, is characterized by inflamed patches of skin topped with silvery white scales and appears most often on the scalp, knees, elbows and trunk. Although it is highly visible, psoriasis is not contagious. Currently, no cure is available. "Our distribution agreement for RAPTIVA is another example of how we can couple our distribution expertise with our highest quality clinical support for the benefit of clients, patients and manufacturers alike," said David D. Halbert, AdvancePCS chairman, president and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. . About AdvancePCS AdvancePCS (www.advancepcs.com) is the nation's largest independent provider of health improvement services. AdvancePCS offers health plans a wide range of health improvement products and services designed to improve the quality of care delivered to health plan members and manage costs. AdvancePCS is ranked by Fortune magazine as one of America's 100 fastest-growing public companies and is included on the Forbes Platinum 400 list of best big companies. AdvancePCS earned the No. 3 spot on the Barron's 500 list of best performing companies. Forward-Looking Statements Any statements included in this press release that are not historical facts and that concern predictions of economic performance and management's plans and objectives constitute forward-looking statements under the safe harbor Safe Harbor 1. A legal provision to reduce or eliminate liability as long as good faith is demonstrated. 2. A form of shark repellent implemented by a target company acquiring a business that is so poorly regulated that the target itself is less attractive. provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA) implemented several significant substantive changes affecting certain cases brought under the federal securities laws, including changes related to pleading, discovery, liability, class representation and awards fees and of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. We do not undertake any obligation to provide updates to such forward-looking statements. Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, changes in the health care industry or the economy in general, competition, acquisitions, changes in the legislative or regulatory environment, and other factors detailed in AdvancePCS' Securities and Exchange Commission filings. |
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