“With the addition of the new center, the Frankfurt hospital will continue to gain importance,” said Professor Klingebiel. “It is hoped that the center will become an important point of contact for all patients with primary immunodeficiencies on a national and international level due to its unique facilities and the clinical expertise of its staff.”

Primary immunodeficiencies are disorders in which part of the body's immune system is missing or does not function properly. Most primary immunodeficiencies are genetic disorders and early diagnosis is essential; failure to do so can lead to serious chronic illness, permanent damage to health, or even death.

In addition to the new center in Frankfurt, the German Patient Association for Hereditary Immunodeficiencies, known as the DSAI e.V., also provides support for patients suffering from this disorder. The association has been operating on behalf of patients with hereditary immunodeficienies for 16 years, providing medical practitioners and parents with essential information so the patients can be treated quickly and effectively. Gabriele Gründl, National President of the Association, said “Due to the great number of affected people, nationwide care is essential. Our primary objective is an early diagnosis and an appropriate therapy to save lives.”

“Many of the predominantly young people [affected by primary immunodeficiencies] would be able to lead almost normal lives if they are treated regularly with immunoglobulins from the blood plasma of healthy people,” said Dr. Marion Wencker, head of the Medical and Clinical Affairs Europe unit at Talecris Biotherapeutics.

Talecris Biotherapeutics is the manufacturer of one of the leading immunoglobulin replacement therapies in primary immunodeficiency disease. Dedicated to keeping patients healthy and improving their quality of life, Talecris Biotherapeutics provides effective and well-tolerated plasma-derived products and offers patients a wide range of related services. “We bear great responsibility to our patients,” said Dr. Wencker.  

DSAI member Sebastian Kollmeier, a pupil from Hattersheim, was diagnosed with primary immunodeficiency in 2006 at the Frankfurt University Hospital. He has been receiving replacement immunoglobulins for two years. Speaking about his everyday life with the disorder and the effect of treatment, Sebastian said, “Thanks to the therapy I get sick only rarely, and I can do almost everything I want to again.”

The official opening of the new Frankfurt center was followed by a medical education event examining diagnosis and therapy options in children and adults with primary immunodeficiencies. Key speakers included immunology experts Professor Volker Wahn from the Charité University Hospital, Virchow Campus in Berlin, and Dr. Dr.  Richard Linde of the Medical Center for Children and Adolescents at the Frankfurt University Hospital. Both events were well-attended by numerous medical practitioners and members of the press following the keynote speeches with interest. 

About the Jeffrey Modell Foundation
The Jeffrey Modell Foundation was established by Vicki and Fred Modell in remembrance of their son Jeffrey who suffered from a hereditary immunodeficiency and died of severe pneumonia at the age of 15. The foundation supports 35 centres throughout the world where patients with primary immunodeficiencies are treated. Their objective is to enlighten the population and in particular the medical practitioner communities about primary immunodeficiencies to ensure an early and precise diagnosis and provide the patients with an adequate therapy, and ultimately a cure. 

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/.