DALLAS, TX, October 24, 2018 — American Heart Association issued the following statement today following disclosure by Amgen that the company is making commitments to expand access to lifesaving medicine.
“Over the course of the past year, the American Heart Association convened forty global healthcare leaders in Washington, D.C. and challenged the group to make meaningful commitments to improving access to health care.
We believe that ensuring patients have affordable access to the care they need is a moral obligation, and we are heartened by Amgen’s substantial commitment to reduce the costs of their proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor as part of this larger effort to shift the focus to the value of treatment and not simply its costs.
As a catalyst for meaningful change, the American Heart Association is committed to continuing its leadership in this conversation – known as the Value in Healthcare initiative – by convening, encouraging and supporting progressive steps and by encouraging all others to similarly step forward with new and innovative solutions to improve patient care.”
###
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies, and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and strokeassociation.org