“We are very excited to continue our Talents program, enabling scientists and clinicians to research novel approaches in IGIV therapy,” said Lawrence D. Stern, Talecris’ chairman and chief executive officer. “We look forward to these recipients developing innovative ideas that will help us deliver on our long-term commitment to advancing the care of patients around the world.”

The three grant recipients are from the countries of France, the Netherlands and the United States and their areas of research are:

Srini Kaveri, DVM, PhD, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France: “A shift in regulatory T cell and Th17 T cell Balance: An insight into a novel mechanism of action of  IGIV.”
 
Ingemar Merkies, MD, PhD, Spaarne Hospital, Hoofddorp, the Netherlands: “Peripheral Neuropathy Outcome Measures Standardisation (PeriNomS) Study.”  

Masanori Sasaki, MD, PhD, Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, West Haven, Connecticut: “Combined Intravenous Immunoglobulin and Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury.”

Rene McRogers, Director of Scientific Relations and Communications and Talents Program Chair at Talecris added, “Our 2009 grants have been awarded to a very deserving group of recipients.  These grant recipients and the work that they do are vital to improving future patient care as they work to discover new medical insights and standards of care around the world.”

Please visit www.talecristalents.com for more information about the Talecris Talents program.

About Gamunex
Gamunex is an IGIV therapy that contains antibodies purified from the donated blood plasma of thousands of people.  Gamunex is indicated as replacement therapy of primary humoral immunodeficiency disease (PI) and as immunomodulatory therapy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). 

Important Safety Information
Gamunex, Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human), 10% Caprylate/Chromatography Purified, is indicated for the treatment of primary humoral immunodeficiency disease (PI), idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Gamunex is contraindicated in individuals with known anaphylactic or severe systemic response to Immune Globulin (Human).

Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human) (IGIV) products have been reported to be associated with renal dysfunction, acute renal failure, osmotic nephrosis and death. Patients should be instructed to immediately report symptoms of decreased urine output, sudden weight gain, fluid retention/edema, and/or shortness of breath (which may suggest kidney damage) to their physicians.

While these reports of renal dysfunction and acute renal failure have been associated with the use of many of the licensed IGIV products, those containing sucrose as a stabilizer accounted for a disproportionate share of the total number. Gamunex does not contain sucrose. Glycine, a natural amino acid, is used as a stabilizer.

There have been reports of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema [Transfusion-Related Lung Injury (TRALI)], hemolytic anemia, and aseptic meningitis in patients administered with IGIV. Thrombotic events have been reported in association with IGIV. Patients at risk for thrombotic events may include those with a history of atherosclerosis, multiple cardiovascular risk factors, advanced age, impaired cardiac output, and/or known or suspected hyperviscosity. Hyperproteinemia, increased serum viscosity, and hyponatremia may occur in patients receiving IGIV therapy.

Gamunex 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.

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.

Contact:
Wendy Wilson
Tel.: 919.316.6316, Fax: 919.316.6673
E-mail: wendy.wilson@talecris.com