Baxter to provide continued access to IGIV products

Baxter International said it will start a program next year to provide continued access for patients relying on Gammagard Liquid and Gammagard S/D immune globulin intravenous-Human. The program, named GARDian, will be open to U.S. patients who regularly use IGIV products under a doctor's order. Enrollment will be voluntary and will not automatically preclude patients who do not participate in the program from accessing Gammagard Liquid and Gammagard S/D. Baxter officials said the GARDian program is intended to give patients with immunodeficiency disorders peace of mind, knowing they can access IGIV products despite changes with their healthcare provider or treatment setting. "Baxter's program will be extremely helpful to primary immunodeficiency patients by reassuring that they will not have to change from their product of choice," said Marcia Boyle, founder and president of the nonprofit Immune Deficiency Foundation. IGIV products such as Gammagard Liquid and Gammagard S/D-immunoglobulin replacement therapies-are usually prescribed for patients with primary immunodeficiency. Baxter's announcement follows in the wake of a new portable policy Talecris Biotherapeutics established to ensure smooth access to its IGIV Gamunex. More information on the GARDian program is available at