Talecris Biotherapeutics Launches PROLASTIN®-C in Canada

    
    PROLASTIN ® is being replaced by PROLASTIN-C, a more concentrated and
    purified formulation




    
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<p>RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., <span class="xn-chron">Nov. 2, 2010</span> /CNW/ -- Talecris Biotherapeutics (Nasdaq: TLCR) announced today the Canadian launch of PROLASTIN®-C (Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor [Human])(A1PI), a more concentrated and purified formulation of PROLASTIN®, the only approved alpha1-augmentation therapy in <span class="xn-location">Canada</span> for more than 20 years.  PROLASTIN-C delivers twice the active protein per milliliter as PROLASTIN, cutting the infusion volume and time in half when given at the recommended rate of 0.08 mL/kg/min.</p>
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<p>PROLASTIN-C has replaced PROLASTIN in <span class="xn-location">Canada</span>. Both products are indicated for chronic augmentation and maintenance therapy in adults who have emphysema due to a genetic condition known as alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. The active protein in PROLASTIN-C increases or "augments" protein levels in AAT-deficient patients. Augmentation therapy with PROLASTIN has been associated with significantly slower decline of lung function and significant reduction in mortality.</p>
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<p>PROLASTIN-C incorporates technological advances in manufacturing that may enhance the patient experience by reducing infusion times. Furthermore, the manufacturing process for PROLASTIN-C uses virus exclusion technology known as nanofiltration and an additional purification step known as cation exchange chromatography.</p>
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<p>"Talecris research and development scientists continually strive to enhance the overall quality of our products by incorporating the latest advances in technology," said <span class="xn-person">Joel Abelson</span>, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Portfolio Management & International Business. "PROLASTIN-C is an example of our commitment to supporting patients who use protein therapies to treat their rare and life-threatening conditions."</p>
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<p>PROLASTIN-C contains the same active ingredient as PROLASTIN. Clinical studies demonstrated that the products are equally effective at raising alpha1 levels above the protective threshold, and that PROLASTIN-C has an adverse event profile consistent with that of PROLASTIN. (<a href="http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6904/10/13">http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6904/10/13</a>)</p>
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<p>The most common drug-related adverse reactions during clinical trials in >/=1% of subjects were chills, malaise, headache, rash, hot flush, and pruritus. The most serious adverse reaction observed during clinical studies with PROLASTIN-C was an abdominal and extremity rash in one subject.</p>
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<p>Patients in <span class="xn-location">Canada</span> who were receiving PROLASTIN were successfully transitioned to PROLASTIN-C during September and <span class="xn-chron">October 2010</span>. Information about this transition is available through PROLASTIN DIRECT(TM) <span class="xn-location">CANADA</span> at 1-877-3ALPHA1 and through pharmacies that assist physicians and their patients who were receiving PROLASTIN therapy.</p>
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<p>A similar transition was completed in the U.S. earlier this year. Information about the U.S. transition can be obtained through PROLASTIN DIRECT® at 800-305-7881, the product's exclusive distribution program. Information about the transition to PROLASTIN-C in other countries will be provided as regulatory approvals are granted.</p>
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    About Alpha1-Antitrypsin Deficiency
    
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<p>Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency, also known as AAT deficiency or Alpha1, is an inherited disorder that causes significant reduction in the naturally occurring protein alpha1-proteinase inhibitor. It is most common in the Caucasian population of northern <span class="xn-location">Europe</span> and <span class="xn-location">North America</span>. 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 disease (COPD) causing disability and premature death. AAT deficiency is estimated to affect 200,000 people in <span class="xn-location">North America</span> and <span class="xn-location">Europe</span>.</p>
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    About Talecris Biotherapeutics: Inspiration. Dedication. Innovation.
    
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<p>Talecris Biotherapeutics (Nasdaq: TLCR) 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, neurology and hemostasis. (<a href="http://www.talecris.com">www.talecris.com</a>)</p>
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    Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements
    
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<p>This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, quotations from management in this press release, statements regarding strategic and operation plans, and statements regarding the development or commercialization of therapies.  Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Although Talecris believes that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are reasonable, there is no assurance that expectations will be fulfilled.</p>
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<p>The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements: possible U.S. legislation or regulatory action affecting, among other things, the U.S. healthcare system, pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement, including Medicaid and Medicare; our ability to procure adequate quantities of plasma and other materials which are acceptable for use in our manufacturing processes from our own plasma collection centers or from third-party vendors; our ability to maintain compliance with government regulations and licenses, including those related to plasma collection, production and marketing; our ability to identify growth opportunities for existing products and our ability to identify and develop new product candidates through our research and development activities; and the timing of, and our ability to, obtain and/or maintain regulatory approvals for new product candidates, the rate and degree of market acceptance, and the clinical utility of our products.  Additional information about factors that could affect the business and financial results of Talecris is contained in its final Prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) with the Securities and Exchange Commission on <span class="xn-chron">October 1, 2009</span>. Talecris undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement.</p>
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For further information: Becky Levine, [phone], [email protected] Web Site: http://www.talecris.com