Bangkok--4 Sep--Core & Peak The International Patient Assistance Program (GIPAP) by Novartis celebrated 5th Anniversary in Thailand since its launch in January, 2003. The promise of GIPAP continues to help Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) patients and Gastro Intestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) patients. During five years of successful operation in Thailand, GIPAP has helped 1,380 needy patients suffering from certain forms of CML and GIST by providing the innovative drug — Imatinib Mesylate — free of charge. The purpose of the event is to show strong commitment from GIPAP program created by Novartis to help cancer patients access the innovative medicines. Additionally, the event shows the cooperation with related organizations in order to help cancer patients access the medication and enhance the quality of patients’ lives. The auspicious event was presided over by Mr. John Ketchum, Head Oncology, Asia Pacific, Novartis Ltd., Prof. Dr. Tanin Intragumtonchai, the President of The Thai Society of Hematology, Asst. Prof. Vichien Srimuninnimitr, President of Thai Clinical Oncology Society, along with GIPAP patients, GIPAP Physicians and representatives from The Max Foundation. Ms. John Ketchum, Head Oncology, Asia Pacific, Novartis Ltd., said, “ Everyone at Novartis around the world is incredibly proud of what GIPAP has been able to accomplish since its creation in 2002 and everyone at Novartis Thailand is very proud of what GIPAP has done for the community since its launch 5 years ago . Thailand is one of the largest GIPAP countries -- 1,380 Thai patients have been helped through GIPAP program in Thailand since the program’s launch. During the past five years of GIPAP administration in Thailand. the program has built a bond between GIPAP and patients and evolved into “The Promise Continues” -- the promise that we will be there for patients now and in the future.” Prof. Dr. Tanin Intragumtonchai, The President of The Thai Society of Hematology added,” As being a hematologist for several years, I feel the touch of feeling with those leukemia patients. For the years of practice as a hematologist, I have a strong commitment to take care of the patients with my whole heart. It is the same as GIPAP’s commitment to help the poor patients with love and care. Thus, “The Promise Continues” by GIPAP today is the valuable promise for all patients and physicians .” Asst. Prof. Dr. Vichien Srimuninnimitr, President of Thai Clinical Oncology Society, said,” As being an Oncology specialist for many years and joining GIPAP program since its start in Thailand, I have a chance to take care of many Gastro-Intestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) patients with unresectable or metastatic malignant conditions. Those patients have least choices for the treatment. However, since GIPAP was launched and started to provide imatinib, a novel breakthrough medicine, at no cost to those patients with financial difficulties. The program has helped the patients access the medication. On behalf of GIST patients, I would like to thank you to all related parties such as Novartis, The Max Foundation, physicians and medical team who are behind the success of GIPAP program in Thailand. Finally, GIPAP is an example of the truly patient assistance program for patients” GIPAP is one of the most comprehensive and far-reaching cancer access programs. The program was launched in 2002 and provided Imatinib free of charge in 80 developing countries to CML and GIST patients. The program has helped more than 32,000 patients all over the world. The program also plays important role to help and relieve the pain and suffer for the poor patients. In Thailand, Novartis has continually operated GIPAP for the 5th year since January 2003. GIPAP has provided assistance to patients more than 1300 patients for the past four years. At present, there are 43 GIPAP centers and 134 GIPAP physicians all over Thailand. For more information of GIPAP program, please visit www.gipapthailand.org .