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"Octapharma USA has served as the national title sponsor of the A-T Curefor two years because we have been so awestruck by the spirit and bravery ofthe children afflicted with this devastating disease," said Octapharma USAPresident Flemming Nielsen. "The children and their families have touched thehearts of everyone at Octapharma USA. Additionally, this cause was a verynatural one for Octapharma USA because it reminds us of the connection thatour core business has with people in need."
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Octapharma is responsible for the development, production and sale of highquality, virus safe plasma derivatives, including intravenous immunoglobulinor IVIG. Octapharma's IVIG product, octagam(R), is used to treat theimmunodeficiencies common in many children with A-T.
"ASD Healthcare and Octapharma USA have become strong business partners,so we were thrilled at the opportunity to work together as the national titlesponsors of the 2008 A-T Cure Tour," said ASD Healthcare President NeilHerson. "A-T is a disease that combines the worst symptoms of cerebral palsy,muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, cancer and immune deficiencies. ASDHealthcare and our staff across the country are committed to making adifference in the lives of children who have this fatal disease."
A-T causes progressive loss of muscle control, immune system problems anda strikingly high rate of cancer, especially leukemia and lymphoma. Childrenwith A-T appear normal at birth with the first signs of the disease - lack ofbalance and slurred speech - generally appearing during the second year oflife. Those with the illness are usually confined to wheelchairs by age 10 andoften do not survive their teens.
A-T symptoms impact many different systems in the body and scientistsbelieve that A-T research will help more prevalent diseases such asAlzheimer's, Parkinson's, AIDS and cancer. Epidemiologists estimate thefrequency of A-T at 1 in 40,000 births, but it is believed that many childrenwith A-T, particularly those who die at a young age, are never properlydiagnosed; therefore, frequency may be much greater.
"The A-T Children's Project and all of its families and friends have beenamazed by the large number of Octapharma and ASD Healthcare employees who havebeen encouraged by their management to help us succeed in our efforts," saidBrad Margus, Volunteer President and Founder of the A-T Children's Project."We are thrilled to have Octapharma and ASD Healthcare as our partners in oursearch for a cure."
The A-T Children's Project raises funds to support and coordinatebiomedical research projects, scientific workshops and a clinical center aimedat finding a cure or life-improving therapies. The 2008 A-T Cure Tour features13 marathons and races held throughout the country in communities wherechildren with A-T live. Participants in the events donate or gain sponsorshipstotaling no less than $600. For more information on the races or to register,visit www.atcp.org or call 800-543-5728.
ASD Healthcare
ASD Healthcare, a business unit of AmerisourceBergen Corporation, is aleading provider of IVIG, blood plasma products, influenza vaccine, oncolyticsand other specialty pharmaceutical products critical to patient car
