Novartis Offers Comprehensive Resource to Help Improve Access to Medicines and Health Information

For Immediate Release
September 11, 2008

People who have no health insurance coverage may know, all too well, the challenges of affording quality health care.

As one such individual, Mary struggles with paying out of pocket for doctor's visits and other health care services. Mary is a single mom, working two part-time jobs, who is not eligible for either of her employers' health insurance programs.

Recently diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure-two serious conditions that require prescription medications-Mary was prescribed one drug to lower her blood sugar levels, two separate drugs to manage her blood pressure, and informed that she'll need to purchase a glucose monitor to measure her blood sugar levels on a daily basis.

Mary is overwhelmed by her diagnosis and worried about how she will afford to take care of her health while also providing for her son.

"As one of an estimated 47 million Americans with no health care coverage, Mary is one of the many reasons why Novartis is proud to offer Patient Assistance Now, an easy-to-use, comprehensive resource that allows patients to access programs that may help them pay for their Novartis medicines and find information to take care of their health," said Kevin Rigby, Vice President of Public Affairs at Novartis.

Novartis recognizes the need to help people like Mary by providing them with easier access to quality health care. Patient Assistance Now integrates Novartis and non-Novartis programs that may help patients pay for their medicines; learn about specific diseases, conditions and medicines; and obtain information about ongoing and planned clinical trials, into one easy-to-use, overarching resource.

People can visit the online Web site, www.PatientAssistanceNow.com, or call 1-800-245-5356 for specific information about programs and services available. The Web site also offers a program finder for programs that help eligible patients pay for their medicines. The Program Finder asks a few short, simple questions to help determine which programs best fit a patient's individual needs.

Novartis is working to increase awareness about programs that provide patients with the information they need to manage their health.

For more information or for immediate access to Patient Assistance Now, visit www.PatientAssistanceNow.com or call 1-800-245-5356.