[Ip-health] Max Foundation says other advocates misguided on Novartis

[Benjamin Krohmal]

After Vasella's now refuted charges of generic company backing for
patient groups like CPAA, this sort of PR campaign by the Novartis
backed Max Foundation is ironic:

"The real tragedy here is that by vilifying Novartis, misguided
advocates and the media are hurting patients' chances to access
innovative medicines - the medicines that are truly helping to turn
the tide on these life-threatening diseases."


http://www.antara.co.id/en/seenws/?id=27487

Thousands touched by leukemia demonstrate support for Novartis
Antara News
Indonesian National News Agency


Patients, Caregivers, Physicians and Supporters Around the World
Unite on Behalf of Company's Commitment to Providing Unparalleled
Access to Life-saving Cancer Treatment
(Full text of a statement. Contact details below.)

Edmonds, Wash. (ANTARA News/PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - The Max Foundation,
an international not-for-profit dedicated to improving the lives of
cancer patients globally, has launched a campaign to provide those
touched by Novartis' Glivec International Patient Assistance Program
(GIPAP) an opportunity to voice support for the company.

In a little more than a week, the Internet campaign -- called "I am
alive and living with dignity...

" -- has collected more than 3,500 signatures from patients,
caregivers, physicians and supporters of GIPAP.

Inspired by the Friends of Max, a group formed in 2003 by GIPAP
recipients in India, the campaign seeks to demonstrate patient
support for Novartis' innovative access program in the context of
inaccurate representation of the company.

"These are the expressions of the actual people battling the types of
cancers Glivec treats -- the patients everyone seems to be talking
about," said Pat Garcia-Gonzalez, Executive Director of The Max
Foundation.

"Yet somehow, the patient's voice has been lost in the access to
medicines debate. Ultimately, access to medicines should be about
patients. And it's the patients who are benefiting from GIPAP whose
voices need to be heard."

As demonstrated through the support for Novartis generated By The
campaign, the patient perspective could not be clearer.

"For CML patients, Glivec is really wonder drug and a miracle," said
a husband of a GIPAP patient in India.

"Still a greater miracle is Novartis' willingness to give away Glivec
to such a large number of patients. We have no appropriate words to
express our gratitude." In addition to signing the petition, Indian
patients showed their support for Novartis through attending a series
of Friends of Max events throughout the country, and by presenting
Ranjit Shahani, Head of Novartis India, with a signed banner.

Over 20,000 patients in 81 countries are provided treatment, as well
as emotional and practical support, through GIPAP.

Companies copying Glivec have yet to offer any support or access
program to any patients in any countries and many patients cannot
afford even the cost of the generic.

"People battling leukemia in developing countries know that Novartis
has provided what they need: a means to preserve their health and to
live with dignity," said Viji Venkatesh, The Max Foundation Asia
Pacific Regional Coordinator.

People living with leukemia in the developing world need more
companies to follow Novartis leadership in corporate responsibility.

The real tragedy here is that by vilifying Novartis, misguided
advocates and the media are hurting patients' chances to access
innovative medicines - the medicines that are truly helping to turn
the tide on these life-threatening diseases.

For more information -- including a complete list of signatures and
patient testimonials -- and to show your support, visit
www.themaxfoundation.org.

About The Max Foundation:

The Max Foundation (TMF) is a US-based non-profit (501c-3) cancer
organization with international focus.

TMF honors the spirit and life of Maximiliano ("Max") Rivarola, who
fought chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with outstanding courage and
grace.

TMF was established in 1997 and was originally dedicated to improving
the lives of children in Latin America diagnosed with leukemia.

In 1998 TMF developed and launched the first Spanish language
informational website for leukemia.

TMF operated with a grass roots advocacy approach in different
communities throughout Latin America.

Our work was distinguished by bringing together people committed to
supporting patients within their own communities.

This regional network of advocates became known as MaxStations.

The group united with the common goals of supporting families and
providing a pathway to existing resources for treatment.

Soon it became evident that there was need to extend support to
patients and families beyond Latin America.

In 2000, The Max Foundation expanded its mission to all patients
living with blood cancers.

Since the expansion of the mission, TMF's focus has been to help
patients by facilitating access to treatment and providing care and
support for those who have limited access to resources.

About GIPAP:

The Glivec International Patient Assistance Program (GIPAP) is one of
the most comprehensive and far-reaching cancer access programs ever
developed on a global scale.

GIPAP provides Glivec at no cost to eligible patients in developing
countries who meet specific medical and socio-economic guidelines.

GIPAP also provides information and referral assistance to patients,
their family members and caregivers.

Since its launch in 2002, GIPAP has helped over 20,000 patients in
more than 80 developing countries who otherwise would not have had
access to treatment.

SOURCE: Max Foundation
CONTACT:
Viji Venkatesh,
+91-0-9820600906
Web site: http://www.themaxfoundation.org

Benjamin Krohmal
Coordinator - Project on Medical Innovation
Knowledge Ecology International
Tel: +1-202-332-2670 ex. 14
Fax: +1-202-332-2673
ben.krohmal@keionline.org