Immunex Corporation Launches ImmunexAllStars.com Highlighting the Best That
Biotechnology Has to Offer
SEATTLE, July 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marks the 20th anniversary of one
of the largest biotechnology companies in the world, Immunex (Nasdaq: IMNX), a
leader in the technology revolution in medicine. In recognition of this
milestone, Immunex has introduced an All Star line up of employees and
patients who are fighting against illness and winning.
One of those "Immunex All Stars," 17-year-old Katie Emmerson, can now
walk -- and throw out a first pitch -- thanks to a breakthrough drug from
Immunex. After 10 years battling her disease, Katie now leads an active life.
"Katie and I have had the pleasure of meeting many of the employees of
Immunex," said Patti Emmerson, Katie's mother. "Today, Katie swims, goes to
dances, and enjoys cooking. Thanks to Immunex, I can hug my daughter without
causing her pain and there are tons of hugs for all of these accomplishments
that so many might take for granted."
The Immunex All Star anniversary celebration will hit the big leagues
today with Immunex night at the Seattle Mariners game. The event will feature
Jeff LaMaine throwing out the first pitch of the game. Jeff was recently
treated with the company's first biopharmaceutical product LEUKINE(R)
(sargramostim), a white blood cell stimulant, which was launched by the
company 10 years ago.
"We developed the Immunex All Stars program as a way of recognizing the
extraordinary achievements of patients, employees and others involved in
creating the future of medicine," said Ed Fritzky, Immunex chairman, CEO and
president. "These 20 All Stars highlight the best that biotechnology has to
offer."
The Immunex All Stars:
Katie Emmerson: A patient who has moved from a wheelchair to the
pitcher's mound due to a breakthrough therapy from Immunex;
Debbie Salazar: A patient who has regained some of the independence she
cherished after starting therapy on an Immunex drug;
Susan Erb: Building something bigger than a baseball stadium for Immunex
as the vice president of corporate facilities and engineering;
Jeff LaMaine: Treated with an Immunex drug and staying active, even
throwing the first pitch in front of thousands of people;
Kathy Thompson: Immunex employee who plays a vital role in encouraging
hundreds of employees to engage in community activities;
June Eisenman: An Immunex employee who is dedicated to creating future
science all stars through educational outreach;
Kerry Wolter: Believes her life has improved for the better due to the
Immunex therapy she is taking;
Ron Sandelius: A real "iron man" as he is able to compete in athletic
competitions again after starting therapy on an Immunex drug;
Carl March: Advancing the technology revolution for Immunex as senior
vice president of information technology;
Arleen Paulino: Dedicated to expanding manufacturing capacity for
breakthrough products developed by Immunex;
Joe Carlin: Living an active life again with his sons and wife after
starting therapy on an Immunex drug;
Craig Smith and Ray Goodwin: Using science to give hope to thousands as
the team who discovered a medial breakthrough therapy for Immunex;
Janis Wignall: Taking students from little league to the big leagues of
biotech through hands-on science training of school children;
Beth Fortmueller: Immunex first-round draft pick when hired 20 years ago;
John Sims: Devoting time and energy to finding new and innovative
treatments for patients in his role as senior director of molecular genetics;
Maye Fukomoto: A patient who started on an Immunex therapy and is back to
bicycling to keep a sound mind and sound body;
Ann Hayes: Ann led the medical research team for all Immunex products for
the last seven years;
Katie Kulzyk: Katie is a shareholder and a patient who is delighted to be
able to swim and play with her kids again;
Craig Zupke: A senior staff scientist whose goal it is to move a new
molecule from the bench to a therapy for patients; and
Jim Whitmore: Directs the biometrics group in establishing statistical
measures that Immunex must meet to demonstrate that a product is sufficiently
effective.
To learn more about the Immunex All Stars, and to learn more about
entering to win a trip for two to the first game of the 2001 Major League
Baseball World Series(R), visit http://www.immunexallstars.com.
Today, Immunex markets multiple products based on immune system science
innovation. Through research and scientific inquiry, the more than
1,500 people who work at Immunex are pioneering medications in rheumatoid
arthritis, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and other diseases.
LEUKINE(R) (sargramostim)
In three prospective, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trials,
only one adverse event was significantly increased in patients receiving
LEUKINE (n=170) vs. placebo (n=166). In the pivotal AML trial,
skin-associated events were observed in 77% (n=40/52) of LEUKINE patients vs.
45% (n=21/47) of placebo patients (p=.002). Other adverse events have been
reported, see full prescribing information available by calling 1-800-IMMUNEX
(800-466-8639) or by visiting http://www.immunex.com.
In clinical trials, there were occasional reports of fluid retention,
dyspnea, supraventricular tachycardia, and laboratory abnormalities (increases
in creatinine, bilirubin, and liver enzymes).
Immunex Corporation is a leading biopharmaceutical company dedicated to
improving lives through immune system science innovations.
NOTE: Except for the historical information contained herein, this news
release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and
uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual results or timelines
to differ materially are risks associated with research and clinical
development, regulatory approvals, our supply capabilities and reliance on
third-party manufacturers, product commercialization, competition, litigation
and other risk factors listed from time to time in reports filed by Immunex
with the SEC, including but not limited to risks described under the caption
"Important Factors That May Affect Our Business, Our Results of Operations and
Our Stock Price" within our most recently filed Form 10-Q. The
forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent our
judgment as of the date of this release. Immunex undertakes no obligation to
publicly update any forward-looking statements. An electronic version of this
news release -- as well as additional information about Immunex of interest to
investors, customers, future employees and patients -- is available on the
Immunex home page at http://www.immunex.com.
SOURCE Immunex Corporation
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Related links:
http://www.immunex.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/434644.html
CONTACT:
Kris Greco, 1+206-470-4871, or investors,
Mark Leahy, 1+206-389-4363, both of Immunex
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