FDA approves new version of plasma therapy from Talecris -TechWire Insider

Posted Oct. 19, 2009 at 8:57 a.m.

FDA approves new version of plasma therapy from Talecris

Local Tech Wire

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new blood plasma-based therapeutic from Talecris Biotherapeutics (Nasdaq: TLCR) that targets a condition known as Alpha-1.

Talecris developed a new version of a 20-year-old product called Prolastin that helps victims of the alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency prevent the onset of emphysema. Alpha-1 is a genetic disorder.

Called Prolastin-C, the new therapy bolsters protein levels with half the volume and in half the time than required by the earlier version.

"The introduction of Prolastin revolutionized care for thousands of individuals with Alpha-1," said John Walsh, chief executive officer of the Alpha-1 Foundation. "We welcome Prolastin-C as an example of the ongoing commitment Talecris has made to the Alpha-1 community."

Talecris was able to improve Prolastin through manufacturing techniques focused on a virus exclusion technology and an additional purification step. It is based on blood plasma.

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