AstraZeneca Launches Direct-to-Patient Program for Arimidex

AstraZeneca recently announced its first direct-to-patient program offering patients with prescriptions for Arimidex (anastrozole) the opportunity to receive their medication for $40 a month through Express Scripts, a specialty pharmacy provider.

Arimidex is a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor for postmenopausal women used to treat early breast cancer. It can be used as a first treatment for cancer that has spread within the breast or to other parts of the body, or as a second treatment option for women whose breast cancer has worsened after taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex).

The patient program, called Arimidex Direct, is not a coupon or savings card, nor does enrollment require any type of qualification process. It is designed to help those who currently have no means to pay for Arimidex. According to an AztraZeneca press release, the program was created in response to numerous calls the company received from patients asking for options to buy the brand ever since the generic version of Arimidex was released.

Those who already have prescription insurance coverage—either through private insurance or through Medicare or Medicaid—are not eligible to enroll in the Arimidex Direct program.

Steve Davis, executive director, Foundation Brands, AstraZeneca, believes the program is an important new way for AstraZeneca to help meet customer needs. “We believe it is the first time eligible patients have a nationwide direct-to-patient option,” he said in the press release.

Specialty pharmacists can counsel patients who cannot afford prescriptions for Arimidex about the program and provide those eligible with the enrollment form.