American Kidney Fund Launches Renagel® (Sevelamer Hydrochloride) Patient Assistance Program(SM)

American Kidney Fund
Monday, 17 September 2001

The American Kidney Fund is pleased to announce a new nationwide program that will benefit thousands of low-income hemodialysis patients. Thanks to the generosity of Genzyme Corporation, AKF will launch its Renagel® Patient Assistance Program (RPAPSM) on September 17, 2001. This program will provide Renagel® 800 mg Tablets (sevelamer hydrochloride) to qualified patients who are referred by their nephrologists and social workers.

Renagel® - the only non- absorbed, calcium-free, aluminum-free phosphate binder - offers long-term phosphorus reduction in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis. Phosphorus control is critical to the quality care of all dialysis patients.

The Renagel® Patient Assistance Program is intended for those individuals who have no alternative means of affording Renagel® directly or indirectly through insurance coverage or federal, state or local programs. Last year, AKF provided similar "last resort" grants and products to over 30,000 needy kidney patients.

The Renagel® Patient Assistance Program is a unique, collaborative effort. American Kidney Fund will administer the program and Genzyme Corporation will contribute the Renagel® product. "We're pleased to partner with the AKF to help ensure that patients have access to Renagel® regardless of their ability to pay," said Michael Raab, senior vice president, Genzyme therapeutics and general manager, Renagel®. AKF is deeply grateful to its partner for their demonstrated commitment to helping kidney patients in need.

Program instructions, patient applications and eligibility criteria will be mailed to all U.S. dialysis and transplant facilities. For additional application materials or more information about the Renagel® Patient Assistance Program, please contact AKF's Patient Services Department at 800-638-8299, extension 6674.

For more information, or to contact American Kidney Fund, see their website at: www.akfinc.org