Amgen Increases Funding for Patient Assistance Programs to $18 Million in 2005

Strategic Insights -

Amgen, a leading pharmaceutical company, has pledged an unprecedented $18 million in 2005 to support patient assistance programs for patients struggling with cancer or kidney disease. These programs, designed to ensure access to life-saving therapies, are funded by grants to independent non-profit charitable foundations. The increased funding will enable patients to receive co-payment assistance, thereby reducing the financial burden of their treatment. George Morrow, executive vice president of global commercial operations at Amgen, emphasized the company's commitment to helping patients live better and longer lives.

Key Takeaways:

  • Amgen has increased its funding to patient assistance programs to $18 million in 2005, a significant increase from previous years.
  • The programs are designed to ensure access to life-saving therapies for patients with cancer or kidney disease who cannot afford copayments.
  • Grants will be provided to several independent non-profit charitable foundations to administer the programs.
  • Each foundation will assess patient eligibility based on their own independent criteria.
  • Patients and providers can contact Amgen's Reimbursement Connection at 1-800-272-9376 for information on available resources.
  • The Reimbursement Connection maintains a database of potential resources for patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or need assistance with co-pays.
  • Patient assistance programs are essential in reducing the financial burden of treatment for patients with serious illnesses.

Statistics:

  • $18 million: Amgen's funding for patient assistance programs in 2005.
  • 2005: The year in which Amgen increased its funding to $18 million.
  • 1-800-272-9376: The phone number for Amgen's Reimbursement Connection, which provides information on available resources.

Sources:

  • Amgen, Inc.
  • George Morrow, executive vice president, global commercial operations at Amgen
  • Health and Medicine Week editors
  • NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net