Companies Launch Patient-Focused Program to Support Growing Need
For Increased Disease Understanding
Call 1-800-395-3010 for Program Information
SEATTLE, July 26 /PRNewswire/ -- The launch of a new comprehensive
education and support program for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis
(RA) entitled "RA Access" was announced today by
Immunex Corporation (Nasdaq: IMNX) and Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, a division
of American Home Products Corporation (NYSE: AHP).
"The program is designed to provide people with important information that
covers all aspects of a progressive, painful disease that can lead to
permanent and irreversible damage," said Barry Labinger, vice president,
marketing, Immunex Corporation. "As part of our commitment to people with
rheumatoid arthritis, we developed this free program to help meet the growing
need for more information about this disease."
The program's objectives are to:
-- Convey the importance of early evaluation for therapies to help fight a
disease that will likely grow worse over time;
-- Illustrate the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and a more
common form of arthritis -- osteoarthritis; and
-- Emphasize the need for people with RA to seek treatment from a
rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis of rheumatoid
arthritis.
"This program will empower those who are just beginning to feel the
painful effects of RA to take control of their disease," said Veronica
Lewandowski, who has had rheumatoid arthritis for over 20 years. "My disease
got worse and worse as I waited for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. It
took me three years just to find the right doctor and, as a result of the
damage, I can no longer work and am on disability. This made me realize the
importance of early and proper treatment from a rheumatologist."
To join RA Access and receive information, people with RA can call
1-800-395-3010, or visit http://www.ra-access.com . Participants will receive
ongoing resource materials focusing on issues that affect the daily lives of
those with RA.
Immunex Corporation is a leading biopharmaceutical company dedicated to
improving lives through immune system science innovations.
Wyeth-Ayerst, a division of American Home Products Corporation, is a major
research-oriented pharmaceutical company with leading products in the areas of
women's health care, cardiovascular disease therapies, central nervous system
drugs, anti-inflammatory gastrointestinal agents, vaccines, oncology and
hemophilia products.
American Home Products Corporation is one of the world's largest research-
based pharmaceutical and health care products companies. It is a leader in the
discovery, development, manufacturing, and marketing of prescription drugs and
over-the-counter medications. It also is a global leader in vaccines,
biotechnology and animal health care.
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.
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:
media, Courtney Self, +1-206-389-4142, or
investors, Mark Leahy, +1-206-389-4363, both of Immunex
Corporation; or, media Doug Petkus of Wyeth-Ayerst,
+1-610-902-7336
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