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HepaGamB(TM) In-Home Aftercare Access Program for Liver Transplant Patients Launched By Apotex and Centric Health Resources

Posted on: Wednesday, 28 November 2007, 12:00 CST

Apotex Corporation and Centric Health Resources today launched a new in-home aftercare program designed to help liver transplant patients transition from hospital to home with ease while enhancing desired outcomes and lowering overall costs. The new HepaGamB™ Aftercare Access Program© combines specialty pharmacy and home health management services with access to the FDA-approved HepaGamB therapy. HepaGamB (Hepatitis B Immune Globulin Intravenous [Human]) is the only medication approved by the FDA to prevent recurrence of post-liver transplant Hepatitis B.

Transition of post-liver transplant patients from hospital to home typically requires the patient to visit the transplant center frequently to receive their medications, update their compliance with therapy and monitor their health status. In addition, these patients and transplant centers must also seek reimbursement for the costs associated with these health care services and medications.

The new HepaGamB Aftercare Access Program allows patients to receive their medication and health management services in the convenient and lower-cost setting of their own homes, while also getting professional assistance in seeking reimbursement from their insurer. The program offers the following aftercare services:

Patient intake

Order fulfillment and overnight shipping of HepaGamB and related supplies to the patient's home;

Training and education services for patients, physician offices and staff;

Nursing services including infusion, monitoring and reporting of compliance with therapy, and improved lifestyle information and guidance;

Payer education;

Reimbursement services including verification of coverage, authorization of services, billing and collection from payer and patient, and claims support/appeal as needed;

Around-the-clock on-call support;

"This program will significantly ease the transition for transplant centers and their liver transplant patients to aftercare in the home while helping to enhance the desired outcomes and lower overall costs," said Craig Kephart, President and CEO of Centric Health Resources. "With one phone call, a patient can be enrolled and begin receiving our comprehensive services, while also relieving the transplant center from dealing with patient discharge, cost reimbursement and therapy compliance."

Post-liver transplant patients typically can remain on aftercare from one year to the remainder of their lives. Recurrence of Hepatitis B is a major concern among this patient population, which is at risk for infection and rejection of certain medications.

"Our role in this program demonstrates our core competencies and shows the value of our patient-centered health management business model," Kephart, added. "We hope this program will help thousands of post-liver transplant patients, stay compliant with their medication and enjoy improved health outcomes and better lifestyles."

For more information on the HepaGamB Aftercare Access Program, call 866-588-6932.

Centric Health Resources is a nationwide organization serving the specialized needs of individuals with certain rare and chronic genetic disorders, along with their families, specialist physicians and healthcare payers. As a specialty pharmacy employing patient centered health management services, Centric Health Resources works with patient advocacy organizations, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms and managed care organizations to deliver prescribed therapies and specialized health services. The company's comprehensive approach reduces health care spending and improves the quality of life for patients and their families. Centric Health Resources is currently the most experienced and successful provider of specialized pharmacy and patient centered health management services for persons affected by AAT Deficiency. Centric currently dispenses, Prolastin®, IVIG products, hemophilia factor products and several therapies now undergoing clinical trials. For more information, visit www.centrichealthresources.com.

Apotex Corp. is the US Subsidiary of Apotex, Inc., the largest Canadian-owned manufacturer of prescription drugs. Through its sales and marketing headquarters in Weston, Florida and operations center in Indianapolis, Apotex Corp, is committed to providing safe and affordable generic medicines. Products manufactured and marketed by the Apotex Group are sold in 115 countries around the world. For more information visit apotexcorp.com.

Source: Business Wire

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