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Talecris Biotherapeutics Awards Third Annual European ALTA Fellowships
Awards fund early career investigators' research to advance understanding of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
MUNICH, GERMANY and RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. (Sept. 5, 2006) – Talecris Biotherapeutics today announced the recipients of the 2006 European Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Laurell's Training Awards (eALTA). The recipients, from Pavia, Italy, and Marburg, Germany, were honored during the 2006 European Respiratory Society's (ERS) Annual Congress in Munich, Germany, at a special symposium entitled "Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency – New Ways to the Understanding of a Rare Disease," which included presentations from the 2005 eALTA awardees on their research projects. Talecris, manufacturer of Prolastin® [Alpha-1 Proteinase Inhibitor (Human)], which is licensed and sold in North America and several European countries for the treatment of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1), provides funding for these annual fellowship awards.
The 2006 eALTA award winners are Ilaria Ferrarotti, Ph.D., from the University of Pavia in Pavia Italy, and A. Rembert Koczulla, M.D., from Philipps University in Marburg, Germany. Dr. Ferrarotti's research project is entitled "New Confidence Intervals for AAT Plasma Levels by Identification of SERPINA1 Gene Recurrent Haplotypes" and will focus on improving understanding of the AAT genotype/phenotype relationship and clarifying the boundary between intermediate and severe disease. Dr. Koczulla's project, "Quantification of Alpha-1-Antitrypsin in Exhaled Breath Condensate of Patients with Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency, Smokers, and COPD Patients," intends to create a non-invasive tool to measure Alpha-1-Antitrypsin levels, examine correlations with markers of pulmonary inflammation, and ultimately help guide disease therapy.
Professor Claus Vogelmeier, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonology, University of Marburg, and chair of the eALTA scientific review board commented on the value of the eALTA program. "This important program provides opportunities for qualified early career researchers to contribute to our understanding of Alpha-1. We are very pleased with the quality of the research produced by eALTA award recipients, and we appreciate the ongoing commitment by Talecris Biotherapeutics to support this important program in Europe. I am looking forward to hearing from our 2006 awardees at next year's symposium."
The eALTA fellowship awards support basic and clinical research for early career investigators looking into the pathophysiology, clinical course, or treatment of Alpha-1, a serious hereditary disorder that can result in life-threatening liver disease in children and adults, or lung disease in adults. The eALTA fellowships support year-long investigations that will provide additional insights into improving the diagnosis, care, and treatment of Alpha-1.
"The European ALTA program, initiated and sustained by the dedicated professionals at Talecris, is an important way in which we support ongoing global research into Alpha-1," said Alberto Martinez, M.D., President and CEO, Talecris Biotherapeutics. "Research initiatives such as eALTA not only increase our understanding of the disease and its treatment, but also help stimulate the interest and commitment of early career scientists and clinicians who represent the future of providing care for the Alpha-1 community." The eALTA program began in 2003, and, in its third year, Talecris has now provided nearly $400,000 to early career investigators in an effort to advance the body of scientific knowledge in Alpha-1. Applicants of eALTA 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 new program cycle for the 2007 awards has begun, and submissions of letters of intent will be accepted through March 14, 2007. Details for the submission process and timing can be found on www.alta-award.com.
In addition to research initiatives such as eALTA, Talecris Biotherapeutics sponsors numerous patient and professional programs and services to increase disease awareness, and support product access and adequate reimbursement for the Alpha-1 community.
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 proteinase inhibitor 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 eALTA
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 eALTA 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 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, 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, which earned revenues exceeding $1 billion through the year ending June 30, 2006, is headquartered in biotech hub Research Triangle Park, N.C., and employs more than 2,000 talented people. To learn more about Talecris and how our employees are making a difference in the lives of patients and the healthcare community, visit www.talecris.com.
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