Novartis Makes Accessing Prescription Assistance and Disease Management Programs Simpler and Easier fo...( One-stop Web site and toll-free nu...),Health

One-stop Web site and toll-free number provide patients with important

information to better manage their health

EAST HANOVER, N.J., July 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation today announced the launch of Patient Assistance Now -- a new, comprehensive resource that integrates both Novartis and non-Novartis programs that may help uninsured Americans afford their Novartis medicines and find information to take care of their health. Now patients can access an easy-to-use Web site that provides specific information about programs and services available. Patients and caregivers can visit http://www.PatientAssistanceNow.com or call toll-free 1-800-245-5356 to find programs that may be right for them.

Novartis is offering solutions for improved access to affordable medicines for the more than 47 million Americans who have no prescription drug coverage(1). While many assistance programs and resources are available to benefit the uninsured, patients are often unable to find these programs, or are confused when determining which programs best fit their individual needs.

"We at Novartis are proud to offer Patient Assistance Now to make it easier for patients to find options that help them access important programs to learn more about their health conditions and available treatments. For years, Novartis patient assistance programs have been providing free medicines to millions of uninsured patients," said Kevin Rigby, Vice President of Public Affairs at Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. "By integrating our programs and resources, Novartis continues to seek to have a meaningful impact on patients' lives."

Patient Assistance Now provides patients with access to all of the information and tools offered by Novartis to assist patients with managing their health, including:

-- Novartis Access to Medicines Programs, some of which provide fr
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