Alpha-1 Foundation Announces the Million Dollar Match Program Made Possible by a Talecris Biotherapeutics Grant
Talecris will double research donations up to $1 million.
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. and MIAMI, Fla.(June 4, 2009) — The Alpha-1 Foundation announced today it will receive up to $1 million in grant matching funds from Talecris Biotherapeutics, Inc. to support research into alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic condition in which low levels of the essential blood protein alpha1-proteinase inhibitor, can cause emphysema.
The Talecris grant matches every dollar the Foundation raises in donations for research, up to one million dollars. Talecris developed and manufactures Prolastin® (Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor [Human]), a leading treatment for alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency. The condition is the most prevalent, potentially fatal hereditary disease of Caucasians, having a greater prevalence in adults than cystic fibrosis.
“Talecris’ generous and long-standing support has helped to advance the mission of the Alpha-1 Foundation for many years,” said John Walsh, President and CEO of the Alpha-1 Foundation. “With their latest grant, every dollar donated for research -- up to a million dollars -- will be doubled this year.”
Since 1996, the Foundation has invested more than $35 million to support alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) research and programs in nearly 70 institutions in North America and Europe.
"The Alpha-1 Foundation has long been a leader in advancing alpha-1 research. We are proud of our history of support for the Foundation,” said Talecris Executive Chairman and CEO Lawrence Stern. “In these economic times, we’re pleased we can provide a positive incentive for others to leverage their contributions in support of this important mission.”
“The only way to speed progress toward improved treatments and a cure for alpha-1 is through significantly increased investment in research, and Talecris is helping us to achieve that goal,” Walsh said.
The Foundation hosts more than a dozen fundraisers each year in local communities around the nation, from a fishing tournament in Key Largo to a golf tournament in Oklahoma City to an endurance climb in Glendale, Arizona. Each event is part of the Foundation's Building Friends for a Cure program, which generates awareness, funding and community support for individuals with the disease.
The details of the Million Dollar Match will be announced at the Foundation’s Building Friends for a Cure presentation June 5 at the Alpha-1 Association’s national conference in San Francisco, CA.
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 Alpha1-Antitrypsin Deficiency. For more information, visit www.alphaone.org.
About Prolastin®
Prolastin is derived from human plasma and is administered intravenously to raise the levels of AAT in the blood and lungs. Prolastin, Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Human), is indicated for chronic augmentation and maintenance therapy of individuals having congenital deficiency of alpha1 PI (alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency) with clinically demonstrable panacinar emphysema. Prolastin was the first plasma-derived AAT augmentation therapy to receive approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and was approved in December 1987 and launched in February 1988.
Important Safety Information
Prolastin, Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Human) is indicated for chronic augmentation and maintenance therapy of individuals having congenital deficiency of alpha-1 PI (alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency) with clinically demonstrable panacinar emphysema. In clinical studies with Prolastin, reactions were observed in 1.16% of infusions, the most common events being fever (0.77%), light-headedness (0.19%), and dizziness (0.19%). Prolastin is made from human plasma. As with all plasma-derived therapeutics, the potential to transmit infectious agents, such as viruses and theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob (CJD) agent that can cause disease, cannot be totally eliminated. There is also the possibility that unknown infectious agents may be present in such products. Individuals with selective IgA deficiencies who have known antibody against IgA (anti-IgA antibody) should not receive Prolastin, since these patients may experience severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, to IgA which may be present.
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 $1.4 billion in 2008, 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
E-mail: rcampbell@alphaone.org
Wendy Wilson
Talecris Biotherapeutics, Inc.
Tel.:919-316-2430
E-mail: wendy.wilson@talecris.com
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