B.E.N. is here to support Berinert

We just posted last week the story about STINSON’S involvement with Berinert – beginning back in 2005 when CSL Behring engaged us to help increase awareness of HAE and the I.M.P.A.C.T. study.  We wrote about the development of global brand hallmarks, including logo, logotype, symbol, visual imagery, and colors to support the defined positioning.

Now there’s more to the story.  Now there’s B.E.N.

CSL Behring announced the launch of B.E.N. (Berinert Expert Network), a full-service support program for healthcare providers and for hereditary angioedema (HAE) patients and their caregivers.  Learn more at http://www.berinert.com/

B.E.N. provides information and assistance designed to help healthcare providers and patients, including:
1.  Securing access to Berinert – B.E.N. will assist HAE patients in initiating Berinert therapy when and where it is needed by:

• Helping their providers develop treatment plans that are appropriate for the individual patient
• Connecting patients to a specialty pharmacy that has Berinert available
• Identifying the nearest hospital with access to Berinert
• Guaranteeing the availability of one year's supply of Berinert to the first 1,000 patients who opt in to the B.E.N. program

2.  Comprehensive service and support on insurance and reimbursement  – B.E.N. will help patients address such issues and questions as prior authorizations, coverage appeals and letters of medical necessity

3.  Educational resources and tools – B.E.N. will provide resources to help patients manage their Berinert therapy, including a journal, patient ID card and magnet with key phone numbers

4.  Assurance and Assistance -- Serving the rare disease communities for years, the CSL Behring Assurance and Assistance Programs, working through B.E.N., will ensure that:

• Patients who experience a lapse in third-party, private health insurance can access Berinert
• Qualified patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or who cannot afford their prescribed therapy can obtain Berinert.

"The Berinert Expert Network is an excellent example of CSL Behring's commitment to going 'above and beyond' for patients and healthcare professionals by offering innovative products and high-quality support programs designed to meet their needs," said Robert Lefebvre, Vice President and General Manager of U.S. Commercial Operations at CSL Behring. "B.E.N. will ensure that individuals in the HAE community, including healthcare providers, patients and their caregivers, have access to Berinert and will have a single point-of-contact to assist with helping them to manage their medical condition."

Until the approval of Berinert, patients with HAE in the U.S. did not have a safe and effective treatment option that rapidly relieved the symptoms of acute attacks in the face and abdomen. In clinical trials, the median time to onset of relief with Berinert was 48 minutes as compared to more than 4 hours with placebo.

HAE can be an isolating health condition, but B.E.N will help patients connect with medical experts who can provide much needed information about their condition, and details on Berinert.

In addition, through B.E.N., HAE patients will be able connect with other patients via the U.S. Hereditary Angioedema Association (HAEA). In this way, patients can benefit from additional valuable programs and resources designed for and by people with HAE.  

For more information on B.E.N. 24 hours a day, seven days a week, call toll-free 1-877-BEN-4HAE (1-877-236-4423).