As Olympians Prepare for Beijing, One Coach Breathes Easier

Olympic Gold Medalist and 2008 U.S. Women's Track & Field Coach Speaks Out On Competing in the Olympics and How She's Gotten Her Asthma on Track Before the Games in Beijing

As someone who has lived with allergic asthma most of her life, Jeanette Bolden, head coach for the 2008 Olympic U.S. Women's Track & Field team, knows the importance of avoiding allergic triggers – in Beijing and right here at home.

Jeanette Bolden has achieved what most athletes only dream about. She qualified to compete in two Olympic Games, won a gold medal in the 4x400 relay in Los Angeles in 1984, coaches the woman's track and field team at UCLA and now is head coach for the 2008 U.S. Olympic team competing in Beijing. What's even more incredible is that she did it all while battling allergic asthma.

Jeanette's childhood included sleepless nights and countless emergency room visits. At times, her asthma symptoms were so severe that sometimes she had to be hospitalized. Throughout her life she has battled to "just cope" with allergic asthma – an under-recognized type of asthma triggered by year round allergens such as mold, dust mites and pet dander. However, a lot has changed since she talked to her doctor about three little letters: I-g-E (immunoglobulin E) and how they could impact her asthma management plan.

Today, now that her asthma attacks and symptoms have been reduced, Jeanette is encouraging people who continue to experience symptoms despite treatment to talk to their doctor about taking an IgE (immunoglobulin E) test and finding out if they might have allergic asthma and discuss a treatment plan to help get their asthma on track. You can learn more about Jeanette's story by visiting www.AsthmaOnTrack.com.

Jeanette is available for one-on-one interviews.

She can be accompanied by Dr. Bobby Lanier*, a Clinical Professor in the Department of Pediatrics / Immunology at North Texas University Health Science Center and a Clinical Professor of Allergy and Immunology at Peking Union Medical College in Beijing. Dr. Lanier can speak about allergic asthma treatment options and how Jeanette is preparing for the games in Beijing this summer.

About Allergic Asthma:

Approximately 60 percent of the 20 million Americans with asthma have a specific type called allergic asthma. Allergic asthma is triggered by year round allergens such as mold, dust mites and pet dander. When people with allergic asthma produce IgE (Immunoglobulin E) in response to allergic triggers, it can lead to asthma attacks and symptoms. According to a recent study, more than half of asthma sufferers in the U.S. did not think their asthma was under control.

Media Contact:

Tom Murphy/CCA – 202-609-6005 or tmurphy@chandlerchiccocompanies.com on behalf of Genentech, Inc. and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

*Dr. Bobby Lanier is a consultant to Genentech, Inc. and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

Click here to download this information in PDF format - 'Asthma On Track' Media Alert

Who is XOLAIR For?

XOLAIR (Omalizumab) For Subcutaneous Use is a prescription medicine given by injection for people who are 12 years of age and above who have moderate to severe persistent asthma that is triggered by year-round allergens in the air. A simple skin or blood test will confirm that a patient has this kind of asthma. This is known as allergic asthma. XOLAIR helps reduce the number of asthma attacks in people with allergic asthma who still have asthma symptoms even though they are taking inhaled steroids. XOLAIR has not been proven to work in other allergic conditions.

Important Safety Information

XOLAIR (Omalizumab) For Subcutaneous Use should always be injected in a doctor's office. You should read the Medication Guide before starting XOLAIR treatment and before each and every treatment.

A severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis has happened in some patients after they received XOLAIR. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition. Seek emergency medical treatment right away if symptoms occur. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

- wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness, or trouble breathing

- low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, rapid or weak heartbeat, anxiety, or feeling of "impending doom"

- flushing, itching, hives, or feeling warm

- swelling of the throat or tongue, throat tightness, hoarse voice, or trouble swallowing

You should not receive XOLAIR if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a XOLAIR injection. Do not use XOLAIR if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

In clinical studies, 0.5% of patients receiving XOLAIR developed cancer, compared to 0.2% of patients receiving placebo injections.

In clinical studies, the most common side effects in patients receiving XOLAIR included injection-site reactions (45%), viral infections (23%), upper respiratory tract infection (20%), sinus infection (16%), headache (15%), and sore throat (11%).

Do not change or stop taking any of your other asthma medicines unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so. You may not see an immediate improvement in your asthma when beginning XOLAIR therapy.

Talk to your doctor for more information and if you have any questions about your treatment.

Please see full Prescribing Information and the Medication Guide for additional important information.

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Asthma On Track is supported by Genentech, Inc. & Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

For more information please visit xolair.com