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Patients can call toll free at 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669) or visit www.pparx.org

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 26 – A new program that helps patients in need get prescription medicines is generating an outpouring of inquiries from patients nationwide.

In just three weeks, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance has matched more than 100,000 patients -- roughly 5,000 per day -- to patient assistance programs that meet their needs.

Public and private patient assistance programs have made free or nearly free medicines available to patients for years, and programs offered by pharmaceutical companies are already serving millions of patients. The Partnership for Prescription Assistance makes it easier for millions more patients in need to learn about these programs and apply for help.

“Never before have I seen so many patients come to assistance programs like these so quickly,” said Billy Tauzin, president and CEO of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). “In the past, it’s been difficult to enroll patients, but it’s very encouraging to know that after just three weeks, patients already are responding so strongly to the Partnership for Prescription Assistance.”

This groundbreaking initiative was launched April 5th by America’s pharmaceutical companies and more than 50 national organizations representing doctors, nurses, pharmacists, patient advocates and civic organizations. To raise awareness and encourage patients to enroll, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance is running a national advertising campaign and conducting grassroots outreach in all 50 states. Partner organizations are working to spread the word in their respective communities.

"Patient assistance programs and private company drug discount programs currently help many seniors afford their medications, but very few seniors or other younger persons with limited incomes know about them," said James Firman, president and CEO of The National Council on the Aging. "It is very difficult reaching people who need the most help; making this kind of effort to reach out and enroll many more is worthwhile and to be commended."

Since launch day, patients from all 50 states have called the toll-free phone number (1-888-4PPA-NOW) or visited the user-friendly Web site (www.pparx.org), and the Partnership for Prescription Assistance has already helped pre-qualify patients for assistance for more than 300,000 prescription medicines.

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance is the only program that provides a single point of access to more than 275 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 150 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.

More than 50 national organizations including the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Cancer Society, American Academy of Physician Assistants, American College of Emergency Physicians, NAACP, National Alliance for Hispanic Health, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, National Association of Chain Drug Stores, National Medical Association, National Urban League, United Way of America, as well as a fast-growing list of state and local organizations, are working with America's pharmaceutical companies to spread the word about the program.

“We are pleased to be a part of the Partnership for Prescription Assistance and to know that so many people have been helped in just the first three weeks,” said Myrl Weinberg, president of the National Health Council whose members include more than 115 patient and provider organizations.

To find out if they may qualify, patients should call toll-free1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669) to speak with a trained specialist or visit www.pparx.org.