Dyax Launches HAE Diagnostic Testing Refund Program to Encourage Proper Diagnosis and Disease Management

BURLINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Dyax Corp. (NASDAQ: DYAX) the manufacturer of KALBITOR® (ecallantide) for the treatment of acute attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in patients 16 years of age and older, has announced the launch of its HAE diagnostic testing refund program. The program is designed to help eligible patients cover the out-of-pocket costs associated with HAE diagnostic tests. Patients who currently have a cost share (copay, coinsurance or deductible) or who do not have health insurance coverage for HAE diagnostic testing can now get refunded for these expenses by enrolling in this Dyax program.

There are several programs currently available to financially assist patients already diagnosed with HAE. This program, the first of its kind in HAE, will lower financial hurdles for eligible patients seeking HAE diagnostic testing.

“Healthcare should not be limited by affordability,” said Gustav Christensen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dyax. “As part of our ongoing dialogue with patients and physicians, we continue to develop programs to meet their needs and bring awareness to this rare and, oftentimes, misdiagnosed disease.”

"The HAEA appreciates Dyax’s continuing efforts to encourage early HAE patient diagnosis and management”, said Janet Long, Executive Vice President, US Hereditary Angioedema Association.

Patients can enroll in the program by calling 855-HAE Hope (855-423-4673) or by visiting http://www.haehope.com/haetesting. The HAE diagnostic testing refund program is just part of a suite of services that Dyax provides to HAE patients. To learn more about other Dyax programs, please contact 855-423-4673 or visit www.dyax.com.

About HAE

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare acute inflammatory condition characterized by episodes of severe, often painful swelling affecting the extremities, gastrointestinal tract, genitalia, and larynx. HAE is caused by low or dysfunctional levels of C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH), a naturally occurring molecule that inhibits plasma kallikrein, a key mediator of inflammation, and other serine proteases in the blood. HAE is estimated to affect 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 50,000 individuals. Learn more at www.HAEHope.com.

About KALBITOR® (ecallantide)

KALBITOR is a plasma kallikrein inhibitor indicated for the treatment of acute attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in patients 16 years of age and older. KALBITOR, which was discovered and developed by Dyax, is the first subcutaneous treatment available in the U.S. for treating acute HAE attacks.

Important KALBITOR Safety Information

Anaphylaxis has been reported after administration of KALBITOR. Because of the risk of anaphylaxis, KALBITOR should only be administered by a healthcare professional with appropriate medical support to manage anaphylaxis and hereditary angioedema. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the similarity of symptoms between hypersensitivity reactions and hereditary angioedema and patients should be monitored closely. KALBITOR should not be administered to patients with known clinical hypersensitivity to KALBITOR.

For more information about KALBITOR, including full prescribing information, visit www.KALBITOR.com.

About US Hereditary Angioedema Association

Founded and staffed by HAE patients and caregivers, the US Hereditary Angioedema Association, Inc. (US HAEA) is a 4500 member, non-profit patient advocacy organization dedicated to serving persons with hereditary swelling conditions caused by C1 Inhibitor Deficiency and other undetermined causes. The US HAEA's fundamental goal is to improve the lives of HAE patients and their families by providing a support network and a wide range of services including: individualized patient support, physician referrals, authoritative and readily accessible disease-related information, and clinical research aimed at finding a cure. www.haea.org

About Dyax

Dyax is a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel biotherapeutics for unmet medical needs. The Company’s lead product, ecallantide, has been approved under the brand name KALBITOR® in the United States for the treatment of acute attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in patients 16 years of age and older.

Dyax is commercializing KALBITOR in the United States independently, and establishing strategic collaborations to develop and commercialize ecallantide for the treatment of HAE in key regions worldwide. Currently, Dyax has collaboration agreements for regions including Europe, Japan, Russia, the Middle East, North Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America (excluding Mexico) and the Caribbean. The company is also exploring other potential indications for ecallantide, either alone or through collaborations, including drug-induced angioedema.

Ecallantide and other compounds in Dyax’s pipeline were identified using its patented phage display technology, which rapidly selects compounds that bind with high affinity and specificity to therapeutic targets. Dyax leverages this technology broadly through the Licensing and Funded Research Program (LFRP). Collectively, LFRP agreements generate significant revenue for Dyax in the form of license fees, milestone payments and/or royalties. The success of the Company’s LFRP is illustrated by the program’s advanced licensee pipeline that includes 18 candidates in clinical development. Of those candidates, four are in Phase 3 clinical trials, four are in Phase 2 and ten are in Phase 1.

Dyax is headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts. For online information about Dyax Corp., please visit www.dyax.com.

Dyax Corp.George Migausky, 617-250-5733
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
[email protected]
orJennifer Harsey, 617-250-5741
Manager, Investor Relations and
Corporate Communications
[email protected]

Source: Dyax Corp.