Healthy Skepticism Library item: 8596
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Publication type: news
Thousands touched by leukemia demonstrate support for Novartis
ANTARA News 2007 Feb 15
http://www.antara.co.id/en/seenws/?id=27487
Notes:
Peter Mansfield comments:
Please note that the Max Foundation is funded by Novartis.
Full text:
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
