Abraxis Oncology partners with
Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada
$60,000 sponsorship will help educate the tens of thousands impacted by breast cancer through Willow's national support and information services
Toronto ON, November 10, 2006 - Today, Lyndal Walker, Vice President and Managing Director of Abraxis Oncology, announced its sponsorship of Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada. The sponsorship, valued at $60,000, will extend into 2007 and will directly fund three key initiatives:
1. Newsletter entitled Willow Insights: the organization's first all-encompassing national communication comprised of stories, information and the latest Willow news;
2. Willow ambassador cards: wallet sized information cards which will provide supporters throughout Canada with accessible, portable pass-on information about Willow and its services;
3. Educational video: produced for national dissemination by health-care providers at doctors' offices, hospitals and cancer clinics to educate recently diagnosed patients about Willow. Canadians will also be able to access the video by contacting Willow directly or visiting the newly redesigned website at www.willow.org.
"We are thrilled Abraxis has partnered with Willow as we take the next steps in our national marketing and education strategy," says S. Elaine Brown, Willow's Executive Director. "Their support will assist Willow in ensuring information about Willow and its services reach the individuals across Canada who need it most."
Also on hand for the announcement were Karen Law, Product Director for Abraxane, Abraxis Oncology's newly available treatment for metastatic breast cancer and Virginia Yule, President Willow Board of Director.
The first stage of the sponsorship initiatives will roll out later this month when the inaugural issue of Willow Insights is mailed to Willow stakeholders and clients across Canada.
About Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada:
Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada is the forerunner, since 1996, in giving
free expert knowledge, understanding and support to thousands of Canadians impacted
by breast cancer, empowering all to make informed decisions about their diagnosis
and treatment options. With more and more Canadians now living with breast cancer
there is a greater need for breast cancer support, resources and information
services - services Willow provides. For more information regarding Willow's
support and educational services across Canada call us toll-free at 1-888-778-3100
or visit www.willow.org.
About AbraxaneTM
AbraxaneTM for Injectable Suspension (paclitaxel powder for injectable suspension)
(nanoparticle, albumin-bound [nab] paclitaxel) received approval in June 2006
from the Therapeutic Products Directorate of Health Canada under a Notice of
Compliance for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer in Canada. Canada is
the first major commercial market to grant an approval for AbraxaneTM that includes
first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
approved ABRAXANETM in January 2005.
About Abraxis Oncology
Abraxis Oncology, a wholly owned division of Abraxis BioScience Inc., is devoted
to the global development and commercialization of next generation cancer therapies.
The Canadian affiliate of Abraxis Oncology is located in Richmond Hill, Ontario.
For more information about the division and its products, please visit www.abraxisoncology.com.
About Abraxis BioScience Inc.
Abraxis BioScience, Inc. is an integrated global biopharmaceutical company dedicated
to meeting the needs of critically ill patients. The company develops, manufactures
and markets one of the broadest portfolios of injectable products and leverages
revolutionary technology such as its nabTM platform to discover and deliver
breakthrough therapeutics that transform the treatment of cancer and other life-threatening
diseases. For more information about the company and its products, please visit
www.abraxisbio.com.
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For media inquiries contact:
Alison Burke - Manager, Marketing & Communications
Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada
1.888.778.3100 x235 or aburke@willow.org
Trevor Boudreau - Senior Account Executive
Ketchum Public Relations Canada
416.544.4909 or trevor.boudreau@ketchum.com