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Prometheus Announces Co-Pay Assistance
Savings Program For LOTRONEX® (Alosteron Hcl) Tablets
San Diego, September 9, 2009 – Prometheus Laboratories Inc., a
specialty pharmaceutical and diagnostic company, announced today
that it is providing a co-pay assistance savings program for
LOTRONEX® (alosteron HCl) patients.
The savings program is available through physicians enrolled in
the Prescribing Program for Lotronex and local pharmacies.
Patients are responsible for the first $50 of their LOTRONEX
prescription co-pay, after which they are eligible to receive a
savings of up to $250. This new offering complements Prometheus’
two-week sample voucher program currently in place to support
new patients. Patients can contact Prometheus customer service
at 888.423.5227 to request information and learn more about the
program. Note that certain restrictions apply.
“Prometheus is doing its part to ensure that LOTRONEX patients
who may be facing tough financial times have better access to
their medication,” said Joseph Limber, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Prometheus. “This program is another step
in our continuing effort to support women who suffer from severe
diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).”
About LOTRONEX
LOTRONEX is indicated for use only for women with severe
diarrhea-predominant IBS who have chronic IBS symptoms
(generally lasting 6 months or longer), had anatomic or
biochemical abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract
excluded, and not responded adequately to conventional therapy.
Diarrhea-predominant IBS is severe if it includes diarrhea and
one or more of the following: frequent and severe abdominal
pain/discomfort, frequent bowel urgency or fecal incontinence,
disability or restriction of daily activities due to IBS.
Because of infrequent but serious gastrointestinal adverse
reactions associated with LOTRONEX, the indication is restricted
to those patients for whom the benefit-to-risk balance is most
favorable. Clinical studies have not been performed to
adequately confirm the benefits of LOTRONEX in men. Safety and
effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
Use of LOTRONEX is not recommended in the pediatric population,
based upon the risk of serious complications of constipation and
ischemic colitis in adults.
LOTRONEX has a boxed warning regarding serious gastrointestinal
adverse events that have been reported with the use of LOTRONEX.
These events, including ischemic colitis and serious
complications of constipation, have resulted in
hospitalizations, blood transfusions, surgery and fatalities.
LOTRONEX should be discontinued immediately in patients who
develop constipation or symptoms of ischemic colitis. LOTRONEX
should not be resumed in patients who develop ischemic colitis.
Physicians should instruct patients who report constipation to
immediately contact them if the constipation does not resolve
after discontinuation of LOTRONEX. Patients with resolved
constipation should resume LOTRONEX only on the advice of their
treating physician.
Contraindications to LOTRONEX include constipation, history of
severe bowel or hepatic disorders, lack of understanding of
Patient-Physician Agreement and concomitant use of fluvoxamine.
New ACG Recommendations Published for IBS
The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) recently
published a new evidence-based systematic review of the
management of IBS. After conducting a comprehensive
meta-analysis of IBS therapies, the ACG IBS Task Force concluded
that the benefit and risk balance for LOTRONEX is most favorable
in women with severe IBS and diarrhea who have not responded to
conventional therapies (Grade 1B).
Only physicians who have enrolled in the Prometheus Prescribing
Program for Lotronex, based on their understanding of the
benefits and risks, should prescribe LOTRONEX. The Prescribing
Program for Lotronex was implemented to help reduce risks of
serious gastrointestinal adverse events. Information about the
Prescribing Program for Lotronex is available by calling
888.423.5227 or visiting www.Lotronex.com. Please see the
accompanying complete prescribing information, including Boxed
Warning, for LOTRONEX at
www.Lotronex.com/PDF/us_lotronex.pdf.
About IBS
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive
and Kidney Diseases, in 2007, almost 60 million, or 20%, of the
U.S. population had symptoms of IBS, making it one of the most
common disorders diagnosed by physicians. At least twice as many
women as men are affected by IBS, of which more than 35% have
IBS-D. ,4 IBS is characterized most commonly by cramping,
abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. Although it
significantly impairs health-related quality of life, many
people suffer from IBS for years before being properly diagnosed
and treated.
About Prometheus
Prometheus Laboratories Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical and
diagnostic company committed to developing and commercializing
novel pharmaceutical and diagnostic products to help physicians
individualize patient care. Prometheus is a leader in applying
the principles of personalized medicine to the diagnosis and
treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and intends to apply
these principles to oncology. Its strategy includes the
marketing and delivery of pharmaceutical products complemented
by proprietary, high-value diagnostic testing services. By
integrating pharmaceutical products and diagnostic testing
services, Prometheus believes it can address the full continuum
of care, thereby providing physicians with a comprehensive
solution to treat chronic diseases. Prometheus’ corporate
offices are located in San Diego.
Contact
Pete De Spain
Director, Investor Relations
& Corporate Communications
Prometheus Laboratories Inc.
(858) 587-4117
pdespain @prometheuslabs.com
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