How is word spread about our disease?? In addition to the educational efforts of IC organizations around the world, the primary distributors of information about IC are the urological pharmaceutical companies, who have the funds to create large, intensive, national educational campaigns. From newsletters to special events, videos to direct mail campaigns, pharmaceutical companies are a vital part of the collective IC effort to raise awareness for this difficult disease.

In the USA, one of the leading players is unquestionably Alza Pharmaceuticals. Based in Palo Alto, California, Alza specializes in both urology and oncology products. They acquired the only FDA approved oral drug for IC, Elmiron® (pentosan polysulfate), in October of 1997 from Baker Norton Pharmaceuticals. Alza faced significant challenges very early in their acquisition of the drug. Elmiron® had, at best, lukewarm marketing success by BN. Perhaps more challenging, IC had very low public awareness. Some physicians were clearly reluctant to treat IC while others remained uninformed about the treatment options available.

Eldon Mayer, product manager for Elmiron®, recently discussed Alza's educational campaign targeted specifically to physicians "We've launched regional advisory board meetings, which bring together physicians from specific regions to discuss IC. We offer teleconferences, speaker programs and will have a strong presence at the significant medical conventions, including the AUA, SUNA, AUGS and ACOG. We're also working with Terri Jo Myers to raise awareness for our disease. She is speaking on her experience with IC at this months SUNA convention."

In 1999, Alza is also launching several new programs of interest to the IC community as a whole.

1. "ICON" is a new newsletter developed for physicians in the USA who are treating IC patients. Medical professionals may sign up by contacting 1-888-Elmiron.
2. A Nurses Flip Chart on IC will be available later in the year (3rd quarter) to help nurses educate patients and family members.
3. The Elmiron® Drug Assistance Program offers assistance to patients who are unable to afford the costs of Elmiron. Information on this program is available at 1-800-577-3788.
4. The Elmiron® Medical Information Line (1-888-Elmiron) is available for inquiries about Elmiron®.
5. A new IC Resource Center will shortly be available for physicians, featuring new pamphlets and materials on IC for patients.
6. A new patient education video has been released and is currently available. Orders can be placed by contacting 1-888-Elmiron.
7. A new series of Waiting Room Pamphlets for medical facilities is currently available. They can be ordered by calling 1-888-Elmiron.
8. Later this year, physicians will have free Elmiron samples to distribute. They will include 12 capsules per packet.
9. A referral list of physicians is currently in development and will help patients locate compassionate, professional medical care providers.

One program worth special mention is the new patient support program, "Turning Point." Designed specifically for Elmiron® patients, it will be launched in May of 1999 and will be free of charge. A six month program, "Turning Point" will provide a series of newsletters, a cookbook, medication holder and other resources for IC patients. Patients may sign up by calling 1-888-Elmiron.

Mr. Mayer also discussed current Elmiron® research projects. He stated "Currently, there is a US based dose ranging trial in progress. This is a multi center, randomized, double blinded study designed to determine the true effective dosage of Elmiron® AND possible interactions with drugs." Additionally, the US NIH/NIDDK is about to begin a new study testing the effectiveness of Elmiron® and Hydroxyzine on IC patients, chronic non-bacterial prostatitis patients and radiation cystitis. (Radiation therapy for various cancers can cause radiation induced cystitis and patients experience similar challenges to IC.)

Elmiron costs roughly $5 per day. No generic form is available. It was recently approved by Medical as a treatment for IC.