1.5 Million Americans Helped by Private-Sector Drug Program

Program Grows by More Than 15,000 Patients a Day

Washington, D.C. – The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA), a national program helping people in need access prescription medicines, today announced it matched more than 1.5 million patients to assistance programs that likely meet their needs. The PPA is the largest private-sector effort to connect uninsured or underinsured patients to patient assistant programs, many of which provide medicines for free or nearly free.

"The Partnership for Prescription Assistance is making great strides to reach the millions of Americans who desperately need help accessing their prescription medicines," Billy Tauzin, President and CEO of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. "But our job isn\'t done. We are taking this program to every state and thousands of cities to inform even more patients in need that help is available."

Through a toll-free number (1-888-4PPANOW) and user-friendly Web site (www.pparx.org), the PPA provides a single point of access to more than 2,500 prescription medicines and 475 public and private patient assistance programs. The more than 1.5 million patients matched through the PPA join the millions of patients who have benefited from individual company programs directly.

"Without health insurance, I was unable to afford my prescription medicines and suffered a stroke," said Elaine Goldin of Atlantic City, New Jersey. "I now get my medicines through the PPA and am able to heal and live my life again."

The PPA educational effort is supported by America's pharmaceutical research companies working with doctors, pharmacists, health care providers, patient advocacy organizations and community groups.

Dr. Mary E. Frank, President of the American Academy of Family Physicians said, "As a family physician, I am grateful that this program has helped so many patients across the country get the medicines they need and proud of the role the AAFP has played in the program's success. The ultimate goal for physicians is getting the right medication to the right patient at the right time. The PPA plays a critical role in helping make that happen."

More than 70 major national organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, the National Urban League, United Way of America, Easter Seals and the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, are involved in the campaign. PPA now has more than 1,200 local and state partners located throughout America as well.