STI-powered program allows patients, physicians and pharmacists to choose to stay with brand
HALIFAX, Jan. 24, 2012 /CNW/ - Canadian pharmaceutical manufacturers, Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada and Sanofi Canada, have introduced a Patient Benefit Program providing healthcare professionals the ability to choose to keep patients on brand Plavix® by covering the difference in cost between generic clopidogrel and brand Plavix®.
Bristol-Myers Squib Canada and Sanofi Canada engaged Halifax-based, STI Technologies Limited to develop a solution to help their patients stay on the trusted brand Plavix®, as generic alternatives are being introduced into Canada.
"If a physician feels their patient would be best served by being prescribed branded Plavix® instead of generic clopidogrel, this program allows them to do so without an additional cost to the patient, the healthcare system or to private insurers," says Dr. Michael Love, Cardiologist & President of the Canadian Association of Interventional Cardiology. "The most important thing is the ability to choose the best course of therapy, solely based on what is in the best interest of the patient."
Coincident with the introduction of generics into the Canadian market, STI worked with the two manufacturers to deliver and rollout the national program, providing continuity of care for those patients who are prescribed brand Plavix®.
"Many patients rely on Plavix®," says Steve Nicolle, CEO at STI. "So to help broaden access to the program, patient benefit cards are available online (www.plavixsupport.ca) and from physicians as well as local retail pharmacies."
The Plavix® Patient Benefit Program is currently available nationally in Canada, except the provinces of Quebec and Manitoba, and must be accompanied by a prescription for brand Plavix®.
About STI Technologies Limited
Back in 2001, on a napkin at a local diner, three pharmaceutical marketers had one innovative idea. There must be a better way.
A simple idea - bridge the four distinct worlds of pharma, physicians, patients and pharmacy with one little card.
First, we revolutionized the way pharmaceutical companies sample their medications, by involving pharmacy.
Then, we invented new marketing solutions - empowering physicians and patients with choice and affordable access to medication. All with measurable results.
Now, STI is way more than just a card. Our technology, solutions, and people have made us the largest transactional marketing company in Canada. Innovative ideas come from Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Image with caption: "Plavix® Prescription Benefit Card (CNW Group/STI Technologies Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120124_C6178_PHOTO_EN_9124.jpg
Image with caption: "Plavix® Prescription Benefit eCard (CNW Group/STI Technologies Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120124_C6178_PHOTO_EN_9125.jpg
For questions or more information on the Plavix® Patient Benefit Program please contact STI customer service at [email protected] or 1-877-790-1991.
Mary Jane Leslie, Marketing Associate, STI
Tel: 902-442-2071
[email protected]
www.smartsti.com
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