Shire to expand assistance program for UC patients

PHILADELPHIA A British drug maker announced Monday that it would expand its patient assistance program for patients with ulcerative colitis.

Shire said that UC patients taking Lialda (mesalamine delayed-release tablets) or Pentasa (mesalamine extended-release capsules) and who became unemployed this year can receive their medication at no cost throughout the rest of the year.

“We are committed to helping UC patients better manage their condition,” Shire gastrointestinal business SVP Roger Adsett stated. “Offering greater financial support to those who may be struggling due to the current economic climate through our expanded Shire CARES PAP is a natural extension of the Shire mission.”

Last week, Pfizer announced that it would begin offering drugs for free to patients with prescriptions to Pfizer drugs who lost their jobs this year.