Partnership for Prescription Assistance tours Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA Pharmaceutical research companies are funding a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of patient assistance programs and address rising rates of chronic disease.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, Philabundance and Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook hosted a community health fair in Philadelphia Monday afternoon featuring the Partnership for Prescription Assistance “Help Is Here Express” bus.

“The Partnership for Prescription Assistance is helping thousands of patients every day,” PhRMA chairman and AstraZeneca CEO David Brennan said. “Nobody is helped by a medicine that sits on a shelf and is out of reach financially, and we will keep coming back to Pennsylvania as long as there are people who need our help.”

The tour will include information about new medicines in development to fight chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and asthma.

“With the number of people affected by chronic disease increasing every year, the PPA and its message of hope is now more relevant than ever,” Brennan said.