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Ortho Biotech Announces Partnership With AIDS Alliance on HIV Strength for Caring Program

Ortho Biotech Announces Partnership With AIDS Alliance on HIV Strength for Caring Program

Published 11-19-03

Submitted by Ortho Biotech Products, L.P.

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. -- Ortho Biotech Products, L.P. today announced a partnership with AIDS Alliance for Children, Youth and Families to further strengthen the HIV Strength for Caring program-a comprehensive support program and resource for HIV caregivers.

The announcement coincides with National Family Caregivers Month in November, a time to recognize and celebrate the more than 50 million caregivers in the United States, many of whom are the parents, spouses, partners, relatives and friends of the estimated 800,000 to 900,000 people currently living with HIV in the United States.

As part of the new collaboration with Ortho Biotech, AIDS Alliance will assume management of the HIV Strength for Caring program, giving it broader reach in the HIV/AIDS community.

"We are excited to partner with Ortho Biotech on HIV Strength for Caring. It is an unparalleled program that provides valuable support and education for caregivers of people living with HIV/AIDS," said David C. Harvey, executive director of AIDS Alliance.

HIV Strength for Caring was developed by Ortho Biotech, a leader in anemia management and marketer of PROCRIT(R) (Epoetin alfa). Since May, 2002, Ortho Biotech and AIDS Alliance have successfully trained more than 180 facilitators (HIV/AIDS educators, nurses and social workers) to conduct workshops.

HIV Strength for Caring workshops, typically held in conjunction with local AIDS service organizations or health care facilities, train caregivers to handle the physical and psychological needs of the person with HIV, while also supporting the treatment goals established by the patient's health care provider.

The workshops cover topics including: being a good caregiver; HIV/AIDS treatments; early vs. delayed therapy; complications of HIV therapy, such as anemia; adherence; nutrition and wellness; caring for the caregiver; and managing financial issues.

The HIV Strength for Caring curriculum was developed with input from an esteemed and expert advisory committee comprised of HIV/AIDS educators, advocates, nurses and social workers from leading organizations and institutions. The materials take into account the diversity of the HIV/AIDS caregiver in terms of ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, education level and relationship to the person being cared for.

For more information about attending an HIV Strength for Caring program or becoming a program facilitator, contact AIDS Alliance at (202) 785-3564.

About AIDS Alliance (www.aids-alliance.org)

Through education, training and advocacy, AIDS Alliance for Children, Youth and Families addresses the needs of children, youth and families living with, affected by, or at risk of HIV and AIDS. AIDS Alliance members include more than 650 community-based organizations throughout the United States. Since its founding in 1994, AIDS Alliance has been the leading advocate for children, youth, and families affected by HIV/AIDS. AIDS Alliance and Ortho Biotech recently were awarded the prestigious "Bridgebuilders Award" from Partners for Livable Communities, a Washington, D.C. based non-profit organization, for partnering on the HIV Strength for Caring program.

About Ortho Biotech Products, L.P. (www.orthobiotech.com)

In 1990, Ortho Biotech was established in Raritan, N.J. Ortho Biotech and its affiliates have earned a global reputation for researching, manufacturing and marketing innovative healthcare products that enhance the quality of patients' lives. Now located in Bridgewater, N.J., Ortho Biotech is an established market leader in Epoetin alfa therapy for anemia management across multiple indications, and focuses its research and marketing efforts in clinical areas including oncology, nephrology and immunology.

About PROCRIT(R)

PROCRIT is the only approved erythropoietic therapy marketed for treating AZT-induced anemia in HIV positive patients in the United States. PROCRIT is an effective treatment for anemia induced by AZT-containing regimens in HIV patients. PROCRIT is proven and safe. In studies, patients who received PROCRIT had approximately the same side effects as those who received a placebo (a solution that did not contain any medication). PROCRIT is available by prescription only and is injected by a doctor or nurse. For complete details, please visit www.PROCRIT.com.

Ortho Biotech Products, L.P.

Ortho Biotech Products, L.P.

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