FUZEON (enfuvirtide) to be widely available through pharmacies in the U.S.

Roche and Trimeris today announced that FUZEON(R) (enfuvirtide), the first and only fusion inhibitor available for the treatment of HIV, will now be available through retail and specialty pharmacies across the U.S. beginning on April 26.

This development will afford enhanced and simplified access to FUZEON for patients and their healthcare providers. To ensure that patients would have an uninterrupted supply at the time of its launch, FUZEON was previously available only through a Progressive Distribution Program utilizing Chronimed Inc. Because the objectives of the program have been met, full distribution to retail and specialty pharmacies is now possible. Physicians can write prescriptions for FUZEON from their own prescription pads and patients can get their FUZEON from the pharmacy of their choice, including Chronimed.

Reimbursement processing is now being handled through dispensing pharmacies, with additional support from the Roche ASSIST Program, which provides reimbursement support to physicians and patients. "FUZEON is an important HIV therapeutic that has made significant difference in the lives of many treatment-experienced patients.

Today's action will simplify the FUZEON prescribing process, and improve convenience for patients, who will be able to fill FUZEON prescriptions in the manner they choose," said Gary Zieziula, Vice President, Commercial Operations, Roche. "In addition, we are pleased that private insurers and public programs continue to recognize the importance of providing access to FUZEON for treatment- experienced HIV patients."