Press Release
THE AMERICAN INFERTILITY ASSOCIATION, RESOLVE AND FERRING TEAM UP TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO INFERTILITY TREATMENT
Contact:
Kelly Laban
Kovak-Likly Communications
203.762.8833 or Klaban@KLCpr.com
TARRYTOWN, NY – November 11, 2002 – Ferring Pharmaceuticals, The American Infertility Association (AIA) and RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association today announced the launch of the Bravelle™ HEART Program. The Bravelle™ (urofollitropin for injection, purified) HEART Program will assist thousands of infertility patients by providing up to 25 percent of the medication used in an average ovulation induction treatment cycle free of charge.
“Infertility treatment can be costly and many insurance companies do not provide full coverage. We are delighted to partner with The American Infertility Association and RESOLVE to offer infertility patients greater access to the medication they need,” said Wayne Anderson, President, Ferring Pharmaceuticals. “Through the Bravelle™ HEART Program, we are able to offer physicians and their patients the benefits of our newest infertility treatment at a significant cost savings, helping patients reduce the financial strain incurred on the path to parenthood.”
“The United States is a patchwork quilt of haves and have-nots when it comes to insurance coverage for infertility treatment. Without insurance coverage, patients can be locked out of treatments they need to start a family. The Bravelle™ HEART Program represents the type of initiative that can have a significant impact on couples who may not pursue treatment or who may discontinue treatment prematurely because of cost,” said Pamela Madsen, Executive Director of The American Infertility Association. “The American Infertility Association commends Ferring for its ongoing efforts to provide effective and affordable treatment options for the infertility community.”
Bonny Gilbert, Acting Executive Director for RESOLVE added, “While public awareness of infertility has increased in the last decade, policymakers, employers and insurance companies have been slow to recognize infertility as a legitimate medical condition. This can place a great deal of financial pressure on couples that are already coping with the stress of infertility. We are pleased to work with Ferring to help offset the very real financial burden that infertility treatment can place on couples.”
About the Bravelle™ HEART Program
The Bravelle™ HEART (Helping Expand Access to Reproductive Therapy) Program provides infertility patients with five vials of Bravelle™ free of charge as part of a prescription for 20 vials or more. Bravelle™ HEART Program information packs are available by e-mail request at the following Web sites, www.americaninfertility.org or www.resolve.org.
About Bravelle™
Bravelle™, approved by the FDA on May 6, 2002, is a highly purified, human-derived follicle-stimulating hormone (hFSH) for the treatment of infertility. Bravelle™, in conjunction with hCG, is indicated for ovulation induction following pituitary suppression. Bravelle™, like all gonadotropins, is a potent substance capable of causing mild to severe adverse reactions, including OHSS (incidence of 8.2%), with or without pulmonary or vascular complications, in women undergoing therapy for infertility. Like other products for ovarian stimulation, treatment with Bravelle may result in multiple gestations.
About The American Infertility Association
The American Infertility Association is a national organization dedicated to supporting women, men and families facing infertility and decisions related to family building and reproductive health–from prevention and treatment to social, psychological and financial concerns. Through educational symposia and forums, free publications, interactive media and advocacy for research funding and policy, The American Infertility Association serves as a lifetime resource for men, women and families needing reproductive information and support and to forward the causes of adoption and reproductive health. Contact The American Infertility Association toll free at 888-917-3777 or visit the Web site at www.americaninfertility.org.
About RESOLVE
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association since 1974, is committed to helping people build their families by providing education, advocacy and support. RESOLVE assists people throughout the continuum of infertility from trying to conceive through treatment, adoption, pregnancy, parenting or the decision to live child-free. Each year, National RESOLVE and its network of more than 50 chapters across the U.S. provide support groups, educational meetings and advocate for insurance coverage for infertility and adoption. Contact the RESOLVE help line at 888-623-0744 or visit the RESOLVE Web site at www.resolve.org.
About Ferring
Ferring Pharmaceuticals, part of the Ferring Group, a privately owned, international pharmaceutical company, markets Bravelle™, Repronex® and Novarel® in the U.S. to infertility specialists and their patients. The Ferring Group specializes in the research, development and commercialization of compounds in general and pediatric endocrinology, urology, gastroenterology, obstetrics/gynecology and infertility. For more information, call 888-337-7464 or visit www.ferringusa.com.
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For Bravelle™ full prescribing information contact Kelly Laban at 203.762.8833.