DENVER, June 2, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Coram Healthcare Corporation (OTCBB:CRHEQ), a leading national provider of specialized home infusion services, today announced that it has been selected by Baxter Healthcare Corporation as a national provider of Aralast(tm), a new drug for use in the treatment of Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1). Alpha-1 is a hereditary disorder characterized by a reduction of serum levels of Alpha-1, emphysema, and occasionally liver disease.
Coram will begin dispensing the drug in June of 2003.
Aralast(tm) is an advance in the treatment of Alpha-1. The drug's advanced two-step viral treatment uses an advanced purification process employing solvent detergent treatment and nanofiltration in order to minimize the risk of infectious-agent transmission.
An Alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor, Aralast(tm) represents a new choice for individuals living with Alpha-1, some of whom have struggled with a lack of treatment choices. Coram will be working with the Alpha-1 community to provide Aralast(tm) to individuals in need of a new treatment option.
"As an original provider of a prior augmentation therapy, Coram has significant experience in the treatment of individuals living with Alpha-1," said Coram's Michael Saracco, President, Specialty Services. "We look forward to providing those individuals truly in need of another option with the new Aralast(tm) therapy. Our 72 branches in the U.S. and Canada hope to offer individuals living with Alpha-1 assistance with their treatment based on more than 20 years' experience in addressing home infusion needs."
Coram has provided specialized home infusion therapies in the areas of nutrition, blood and factor products, IVIG, anti-infectives and pain and palliative care, to nearly half a million patients. In addition, Coram has extensive experience in the care of solid organ transplant patients at home, having serviced thousands of patients since developing the nation's leading home transplant program. Coram's staff of more than 1,200 nurses, pharmacists and dietitians, serves patients throughout the country.
Denver-based Coram Healthcare Corporation, through its subsidiaries, including all branch offices, is a national leader in providing specialty infusion therapies and support for clinical trials. Coram Healthcare is accredited with commendation by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc., a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to promote quality healthcare through standards, peer review, credentialing and education.
For more information about Alpha-1 treatment with Aralast(tm), patients and clinicians can call Coram's Aralast (tm) Hotline: 1.866.FOR.A1PI.
Baxter is a trademark of Baxter International, Inc. and is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Aralast is a registered trademark of Alpha Therapeutic Services, Inc.