The Alpha-1 Foundation Awards Two Research Grants with Support from Talecris Biotherapeutics, Inc.
Researchers aim to advance treatment options for people living with alpha1- antitrypsin deficiency
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. and MIAMI, Fla. (November 18, 2008) — The Alpha-1 Foundation announced today that it has awarded two new research grants for projects at the University of Florida and Brandeis University. The grants were made possible through an unrestricted charitable donation from Talecris Biotherapeutics to the Alpha-1 Foundation.
The first grant, given to Sihong Song, PhD, of the University of Florida, will enable him to develop a line of mice with alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency. No mouse models currently exist for studying the functions of alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) protein . Dr. Song will use genetic engineering techniques to replace the gene for the alpha-1 protein in the mice being studied. The goal is to develop a line of transgenic mice which express the mutant “Z” alpha-1 protein – mice with alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha-1). The AAT-deficient mice will be studied for the development of lung and liver disease. “We hope that these AAT -deficient mouse models will reveal novel functions of AAT and be useful in evaluating treatments for AAT-related human diseases,” said Dr. Song.
The second grant, to Brandeis University in Waltham, MA, will be used to fund the work of Anne Gershenson, PhD, who plans to map the structure of AAT to aid in designing new treatments for Alpha-1. AAT, the alpha-1 protein, is mainly made in the liver. Normal AAT is a single protein called a monomer. In people living with Alpha-1, the single AAT proteins link together to form long chains called polymers. The long polymer chains cannot be transported normally into the bloodstream, so a deficiency of AAT develops in the blood. This is considered a root cause of lung disease in Alpha-1. The AAT polymer chains accumulate in the liver cells, and in some Alpha-1 patients, this leads to liver disease. Dr. Gershenson’s study will attempt to determine the molecular structure of AAT polymers by measuring and mapping the polymers, using a technique called electron paramagnetic resonance.
About the Alpha-1 Foundation:
The mission of the Alpha-1 Foundation is to provide the leadership and resources that will result in increased research, improved health, worldwide detection, and a cure for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. For more information, please visit: www.alphaone.org/.
About Talecris Biotherapeutics: Inspiration. Dedication. Innovation.
Talecris Biotherapeutics is a global biotherapeutic and biotechnology company that discovers, develops and produces critical care treatments for people with life-threatening disorders in a variety of therapeutic areas including immunology, neurology, pulmonology, and hemostasis. Talecris is proudly building upon a 60-year legacy of innovation and a commitment to improving the lives of people who rely on its therapeutic products. With an emphasis on scientific inquiry and technological excellence, Talecris is expanding its current portfolio of products, programs, and services through its own world-class product development organization as well as through strategic initiatives that leverage its strengths with those of its partners.
Talecris, with revenues of approximately $1.2 billion in 2007, is headquartered in biotech hub Research Triangle Park, N.C., and employs more than 4,500 talented people worldwide.
To learn more about Talecris and how its employees are making a difference in the lives of patients and the healthcare community, visit www.talecris.com/.
Contacts:
Bob Campbell
Alpha-1 Foundation
Tel: 305-567-9888, ext. 230
Wendy Wilson
Talecris Biotherapeutics, Inc.
Tel.: 919.316.2430
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