Centeon donates medication to CCRF (10/20/96)

Centeon donates medication to CCRF

KYIV - Centeon, the global leader in the plasma protein industry, recently made a charitable contribution of Monoclate-P (Factor VIII) and Mononine (Factor IX) coagulant medication for hemophilia sufferers to the Children of Chornobyl Relief Fund (CCRF). The contribution, which is being managed in conjunction with Centeon's distribution partner in Ukraine, Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, is valued at nearly $200,000.

Hemophilia is a blood disorder marked by the absence of an essential protein for blood coagulation. People with hemophilia are vulnerable to internal bleeding as a result of bumps and falls, and without coagulant medication, essential surgeries cannot be performed. There is no company in Ukraine that presently manufactures coagulant medication for the treatment of hemophilia.

In Ukraine, there are 5,000 hemophilia patients in a population of 52 million - an approximate rate of incidence of one in 10 million, which is above the international average. In the United States, 20,000 people suffer from hemophilia in a population of 267 million (approximate rate of incidence: one in 13.5 million).

In Ukraine, the majority of hemophiliacs are children. Many need immediate access to coagulant medication either because they currently suffer from internal bleeding or are awaiting essential surgery.

The distribution plan assigned to this donation offers immediate treatment for approximately 45 patients. The medication is being distributed directly by CCRF on the basis of need, on a first-come-first-serve basis. Medical records will be reviewed by medical staff working jointly with CCRF. Medication will be given directly to the children's parents.

Centeon, the global leader of the plasma protein industry, is dedicated to the research and development of plasma proteins and emerging biotechnologies.