Aventis Behring Selects Accredo Health To Be Exclusive Distributor For Zemaira.Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers KING OF PRUSSIA King of Prussia, industrialized suburban area (1990 pop. 18,406), Montgomery co., SE Pa. It has glass and steel fabricating, food processing, printing and publishing, and varied manufacturing (textiles, liquified petroleum gas, water-treatment and electrical , Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 26, 2003 Aventis Behring L.L.C. is pleased to announce the selection of Accredo Health, Incorporated as the exclusive specialty pharmacy provider of Zemaira(TM) (alpha(1)-proteinase inhibitor (human)) in the United States and Puerto Rico. New Zemaira(TM) received approval in July from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA FDA abbr. Food and Drug Administration FDA, n.pr See Food and Drug Administration. FDA, n.pr the abbreviation for the Food and Drug Administration. ) for use as chronic augmentation and maintenance therapy in individuals with alpha(1)-proteinase inhibitor deficiency (Alpha-1), a life-threatening genetic disorder in some individuals who demonstrate clinical evidence of emphysema emphysema (ĕmfĭsē`mə), pathological or physiological enlargement or overdistention of the air sacs of the lungs. A major cause of pulmonary insufficiency in chronic cigarette smokers, emphysema is a progressive disease that commonly . 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(TM) 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(TM) will receive a comprehensive level of support services support services Psychology Non-health care-related ancillary services–eg, transportation, financial aid, support groups, homemaker services, respite services, and other services ," continued Mr. Pugliese. "We are pleased to work with Aventis Behring to make this life-saving therapy, Zemaira(TM), 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(TM). The Zemaira(TM) Assurance Program is designed to ensure that qualified people who rely on this product can continue to receive Zemaira(TM) 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(TM) and Aventis Behring's unique programs. About Alpha(1)-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 Smoke Inhalation Definition Smoke inhalation is breathing in the harmful gases, vapors, and particulate matter contained in smoke. Description Smoke inhalation typically occurs in victims or firefighters caught in structural fires. , 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 plasma protein n. Any of the various dissolved proteins of blood plasma, including antibodies and blood-clotting proteins, that act by holding fluid in blood vessels by osmosis. 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 blood plasma n. The yellow or gray-yellow, protein-containing fluid portion of blood in which the blood cells and platelets are normally suspended. as well as in emerging technologies. For more information about Aventis Behring, please visit: www.AventisBehring.com. Aventis (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange : AVE) is dedicated to treating and preventing disease by discovering and developing innovative prescription drugs and human vaccines. In 2002, Aventis generated sales of EUR EUR In currencies, this is the abbreviation for the Euro. Notes: The currency market, also known as the Foreign Exchange market, is the largest financial market in the world, with a daily average volume of over US $1 trillion. 17.6 billion, invested EUR 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: www.aventis.com. 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 An action brought in court to enforce a particular right. The act or process of bringing a lawsuit in and of itself; a judicial contest; any dispute. When a person begins a civil lawsuit, the person enters into a process called 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. Editorial note: Please direct questions about Accredo Health to financial contact, Joel Kimbrough, 901-385-3621 or investor relations Investor relations The process by which the corporation communicates with its investors. contact, Kerry Finney, 901-381-7442. |
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