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Talecris Biotherapeutics Awards Second Annual ALTA Fellowships
Fellowships to support research in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (genetic emphysema) to improve diagnosis, care, and treatment of people with Alpha-1
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. (Sept. 27, 2005) – Talecris Biotherapeutics recently awarded two early career investigators with the European Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Laurell's Training Awards (ALTA). The fellowships, awarded during the Annual Congress of the European Respiratory Society (ERS) in Copenhagen, Denmark, will support research of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1), a serious hereditary disorder that can result in life-threatening liver disease in children and adults, or lung disease in adults. Talecris, manufacturer of Prolastin® [Alpha-1 Proteinase Inhibitor (Human)], a treatment for the condition that is licensed and sold in North America and several European countries, provides the funding for these annual awards.
The 2005 ALTA Award recipients include Meera Mallya, Ph.D., of the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, and Sabina Janciauskiene, Ph.D., of the University Hospital Malmö in Sweden. Dr. Mallya's research focuses on the pathobiology of the Z allele of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin, which is the most important deficiency variant of the disease. Her research approach aims to resolve the protein overload and liver disease associated with Alpha-1. Dr. Janciauskiene's research focuses on the anti-inflammatory activities of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin and its role in COPD. The ALTA fellowships will support the year-long studies of Dr. Mallya and Dr. Janciauskiene.
"The ALTA fellowships allow novice professionals to conduct groundbreaking studies to improve the diagnosis and treatment of Alpha-1," said Professor Claus Vogelmeier, chair of the ALTA scientific review board from the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonology,
University of Marburg. "The research conducted in the program provides hope of improved care for the worldwide Alpha-1 community."
The 2005 fellowships, presented during a special symposium at the ERS meeting, "Protease– Antiprotease Revisited," were awarded in collaboration with the Alpha-1 International Registry (AIR). The goal of the ALTA fellowships is to provide younger clinicians and scientists an opportunity to become actively engaged in clinical and basic research for all aspects of Alpha-1. Applicants of ALTA are evaluated based on four criteria: scientific merit, innovation, impact, and environment/qualifications. The scientific review board for grant applications consists of five external experts and one Talecris expert on Alpha-1. The ALTA program began in 2003 with initial awards provided in 2004. The new program cycle for the 2006 awards has begun, and submissions of letters of intent will be accepted through mid-March 2006. Details for the submission process and timing can be found on www.alta-award.com.
"Talecris continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to the global Alpha-1 community," said Bernhard Schaefer, Vice President of Global Marketing – Pulmonary, for Talecris. "We fully intend to maintain our support of the Alpha-1 community's research initiatives, including the ALTA Awards, because access to care and treatment remains our top priority."
Contact:
Lacy McMahon
Tel.: 919.316.6316, Fax: 919.316.6673
E-mail: lacy.mcmahon@talecris.com
About Prolastin®
Prolastin® is indicated for chronic replacement therapy of individuals having congenital deficiency of alpha-1 PI with clinically demonstrable panacinar emphysema. Individuals with selective IgA deficiencies who have known antibody against IgA should not receive Prolastin®, since these patients may experience severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, to IgA which may be present. Important Safety Information
In clinical studies with Prolastin®, reactions (none severe) were observed in 1.16% of infusions, the most common events being fever, lightheadedness and dizziness. As with all plasma-derived therapeutics, the potential to transmit infectious agents cannot be totally eliminated. For additional information on Prolastin®, please see full prescribing information at www.prolastin.com.
About Alpha-1
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, also known as AAT Deficiency or Alpha-1, is an inherited disorder that causes significant reduction in the naturally occurring protein AAT. It is most common in the Caucasian population of northern Europe and North America. AAT Deficiency is also the most common cause of genetic liver disease in children, and genetic emphysema (shortness of breath) in adults. Individuals suffering from AAT Deficiency often develop severe obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) causing disability and premature death. AAT Deficiency affects some 150,000 people in North America and Europe.
About ALTA
The European Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Laurell's Training Award supports basic and clinical research through grants provided to early career investigators. Through this program, named in honor of Dr. Carl-Bertil Laurell, who first described AAT deficiency in 1963, Talecris Biotherapeutics (formerly Bayer Biological Products) continues its commitment to the Alpha-1 community to provide new insights into alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and help shape the future of care. A primary goal of ALTA is to promote entry of new clinicians and scientists in the field of alpha-1 antitrypsin disorders, focusing on projects that will provide additional insights into the pathophysiology, clinical course, or treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
About Talecris Biotherapeutics
Talecris is a newly formed company with the assets and history of Bayer HealthCare Biological Products Division's plasma business. With global headquarters in Research Triangle Park, N.C., primary manufacturing facilities for Talecris products in Clayton, N.C., and additional fractionation and manufacturing facilities of Precision Pharma Services in Melville, N.Y, Talecris employs nearly 1700 people.
Inheriting a legacy of more than 60 years of providing lifesaving and life-enhancing plasma-derived therapeutic proteins, Talecris is well positioned to become recognized as the global leader in developing and delivering premium protein products. Through its people, technology, and state-ofthe- art facilities, Talecris will build on this long history of innovation through a focused, entrepreneurial approach to new product development, application of cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, and marketing and customer service. Talecris is talented industry professionals providing critical care treatments and services for patients, while maintaining a vision for the future of care.
Information about Talecris can be found at www.talecris.com. To receive e-mail updates when new information is added to the Talecris Web site, please register at www.talecris.com/media_contact.cfm.
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