VALLEY FORGE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 31, 2003--
Specialty Group Crafts Support Program For Biogen's Launch of
AMEVIVE(R)(alefacept)
AmerisourceBergen Corporation (NYSE:ABC), the largest
pharmaceutical services company focused solely on the pharmaceutical
supply channel, today announced that its Specialty Group has been
selected as the physician distributor and reimbursement support
provider for the launch of AMEVIVE(R) (alefacept), a recently approved
drug from Biogen, Inc. for the treatment of moderate-to-severe chronic
plaque psoriasis.
AMEVIVE will be provided to patients primarily through
dermatologists that specialize in psoriasis and other skin diseases.
The new treatment is administered in the physician's office by
injection and requires weekly blood monitoring. To ensure patient
safety and appropriate administration of AMEVIVE, Biogen built an
integrated service model to help facilitate reimbursement, provide
patient support, and manage product distribution.
In winning the business, AmerisourceBergen Specialty Group created
a streamlined, physician-oriented solution for Biogen. The Group will
provide patient reimbursement support by coordinating patient
insurance benefits; manage just-in-time delivery of AMEVIVE to
physicians for treatment; and provide information technology resources
to support sales activities with a dedicated ordering and reporting
portal.
"We are very pleased that Biogen is using our physician
distribution and reimbursement expertise to help launch this exciting
new drug," said Steven Collis, Senior Vice President and President
AmerisourceBergen Specialty Group. "By leveraging across our portfolio
of specialty services, we can deliver customized, integrated solutions
that assist manufacturers in efficiently bringing new pharmaceuticals
to market."
"We have worked together with AmerisourceBergen's specialty team
to develop a responsive and customized supply model to support the
launch of AMEVIVE," said Chris Dillon, Biogen's Director of Strategic
Product Support. "This unique approach allows us to establish and
strengthen our relationship with this physician community, while at
the same time supporting our needs for management and distribution of
AMEVIVE in the channel."
Psoriasis is a T-cell mediated inflammatory skin disease that can
cause considerable discomfort. It is a disease for which there is no
cure, affecting people of all ages. According to the American Academy
of Dermatology, psoriasis affects three to five million people in the
United States. Although individuals with mild psoriasis can often
control their disease with topical agents, more than one million
patients worldwide require ultraviolet or systemic immunosuppressive
therapy. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, the disease
impacts a person's psychological well-being and social functioning, as
well as their physical functioning.
About AmerisourceBergen
AmerisourceBergen (NYSE:ABC) is the largest pharmaceutical
services company in the United States dedicated solely to the
pharmaceutical supply chain. It is a leading distributor of
pharmaceutical products and services to the hospital systems/acute
care market, physicians, alternate care and mail order facilities,
independent community pharmacies, and regional chain pharmacies. The
Company is also a leader in the institutional pharmacy marketplace.
With more than $40 billion in annualized operating revenue,
AmerisourceBergen is headquartered in Valley Forge, PA, and employs
more than 13,000 people serving over 25,000 customers. For more
information go to www.amerisourcebergen.com.
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This news release may contain certain "forward-looking statements"
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements
are based on management's current expectations and are subject to
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and the benefits and other aspects of the 2001 merger between
AmeriSource Health Corporation and Bergen Brunswig Corporation.
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Brunswig will not be integrated successfully; failure to obtain and
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Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2002.
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(C) Copyright 2003 AmerisourceBergen Corporation.