Fw: New Reimbursement Initiative Launched for HIV-associated Wasting Patients

[Guest guest]

Hopefully , this will be better than the crappy program they had for the past 11 years

----- Forwarded Message ----From: McCoy <melanie@...>nelsonvergel@...Sent: Thursday, October 2, 2008 11:15:33 AMSubject: New Reimbursement Initiative Launched for HIV-associated Wasting Patients

*** MEDIA ALERT ***

EMD Serono, Inc. Launches Reimbursement Initiative to Increase Access

to Treatment for HIV-associated Wasting Patients

--New STAR Program Assists Patients in Navigating the Reimbursement Process for Serostim®--

WHAT:

EMD Serono, Inc. is announcing the launch of a new reimbursement initiative in conjunction with its existing assistance program for patients diagnosed with HIV-associated wasting who are prescribed Serostimâ [somatropin (rDNA origin) for injection]. The STAR (Serostimâ Treatment Access and Reimbursement) program provides comprehensive materials to assist both physicians and patients in navigating the reimbursement process. The STAR program includes instructional kits for healthcare professionals and patients with a step-by-step guide to reimbursement, as well as an appeal letter template and a prior authorization post-it note checklist.

STAR also educates patients and physicians about EMD Serono’s patient assistance program. EMD Serono is committed to offering patients resources to increase access to treatment. Over the past five years, EMD Serono has provided nearly $6 million in financial support to HIV-associated wasting patients. The Company’s patient assistance program provides a free 12-week complete cycle of therapy for those who do not have insurance coverage of Serostim®.

WHO:

Lorri Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center, commented on the new program by saying, “Navigating the treatment regimens for HIV-associated wasting and the potential cost involved can be a burden. The new STAR program from EMD Serono is a great benefit to HIV-associated wasting patients, as it provides them with a roadmap of the reimbursement process, helping to ensure they have access to proper care.”

Stern, Executive Vice President of Endocrinology, EMD Serono, Inc. said, “EMD Serono is committed to increasing access to care for patients living with HIV-associated wasting. Initiatives like the STAR program assist patients by guiding them through the reimbursement process and enable them to get on their necessary treatment sooner.”

SPECIFICS:

Over the past five years, EMD Serono has provided approximately $6 million in financial support to HIV-associated wasting patients who were eligible for the assistance program. The program provides those who do not have insurance coverage of Serostim® with a free 12-week therapy regimen.

FOR MORE

INFORMATON:

Patients and physicians can learn more about the STAR program by calling

SeroCareSM, the EMD Serono reimbursement support system for patients, at

1-800-714-2437 or by visiting the SeroCareSM page on www.Serostim.com. Refer to www.Serostim.com for full prescribing information.

MEDIA

CONTACT:

For more information, contact:

· Michele Baer, President, Baer Consulting, Inc.,

973-233-0044 or via email at michele@...

· Colleen Minden, Director of Communications, Endocrinology, EMD Serono, Inc.,

781-681-2192 or via email at colleen.minden@...

Important Safety Information

Serostimâ [somatropin (rDNA origin) for injection] is indicated for the treatment of HIV-associated wasting in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. Serostimâ should not be used in patients with active cancer or in patients hospitalized in intensive care. Patients with a history of diabetes or related glucose intolerance problems should be

monitored closely during Serostimâ treatment. Common side effects with Serostimâ include joint pain and swelling. These side effects can usually be managed with treatment or a change in Serostimâ dose. See full prescribing information at www.Serostim.com. Serostimâ is available by prescription only.