Research Triangle Park, N.C. (Feb. 17, 2010) – Talecris Biotherapeutics (Nasdaq: TLCR) announced today that it has received approval from Health Canada for PROLASTIN®-C (Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor [Human]), a more purified and concentrated version of PROLASTIN® produced using advances in manufacturing technology.  A similar approval for PROLASTIN-C was granted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on October 17, 2009.

Like PROLASTIN, PROLASTIN-C is indicated for the treatment of panacinar emphysema in patients with alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. AAT deficiency is a genetic condition in which low levels of the alpha1 protein can result in emphysema. The active protein in PROLASTIN-C increases or “augments” protein levels in AAT-deficient patients. PROLASTIN-C will replace PROLASTIN, the only approved augmentation therapy in Canada for more than 20 years.

“Many Canadians with AAT deficiency have been treated with PROLASTIN over the past two decades, and we welcome the introduction of the next-generation product, PROLASTIN-C,” said Madelyn McPhedran, president and chairperson of Alpha-1 Canada.

PROLASTIN-C delivers twice the active protein per milliliter as PROLASTIN, cutting infusion volume and time in half when given at the recommended rate of 0.08 mL/kg/min. Clinical studies have shown that PROLASTIN-C and PROLASTIN are equally effective at raising AAT levels in the blood.  In clinical trials, the most common drug-related adverse reactions observed at a rate of ≥1% in subjects receiving PROLASTIN-C were chills, malaise, headache, rash, hot flush and pruritus.

“The modified manufacturing process for PROLASTIN-C incorporates technological advances such as nanofiltration, a virus exclusion technology, and cation exchange chromatography, an additional purification step,” said Steve Petteway, Ph.D., executive vice president, Research and Development. “We are proud of these changes as they result in an improved product that builds on the strong history of PROLASTIN.”

Talecris Biotherapeutics will provide information about the transition from PROLASTIN to PROLASTIN-C through PROLASTIN DIRECTSM CANADA, the product’s distribution program, and through pharmacies that assist physicians and their patients who currently receive PROLASTIN therapy.  Information about the transition to PROLASTIN-C in other countries will be provided as regulatory approvals are granted.

About PROLASTIN® and PROLASTIN®-C

Like PROLASTIN, PROLASTIN-C is indicated for the treatment of (AAT) deficiency in patients with panacinar emphysema.  AAT deficiency is a genetic condition in which low levels of the alpha1 protein can result in emphysema. The active protein in PROLASTIN-C increases or “augments” protein levels in AAT deficient patients.   PROLASTIN-C will replace PROLASTIN, the only approved augmentation therapy in Canada for more than 20 years.

Important Risk Information for PROLASTIN-C and PROLASTIN

The effect of augmentation therapy with any alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (A1PI) on pulmonary exacerbations and on the progression of emphysema in alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency has not been demonstrated in randomized, controlled clinical trials. 

PROLASTIN-C and PROLASTIN may contain trace amounts of IgA.  Patients with known antibodies to IgA, which can be present in patients with selective or severe IgA deficiency, have a greater risk of developing potentially severe hypersensitivity and anaphylactic reactions.  PROLASTIN-C is contraindicated in patients with antibodies against IgA.

The most common drug related adverse reactions observed at a rate of > 1% in subjects receiving PROLASTIN-C were chills, malaise, headache, rash, hot flush and pruritus.  The most serious adverse reaction observed during clinical studies with PROLASTIN-C was a rash on the abdomen and extremities in one subject.

In clinical studies with PROLASTIN, reactions were observed in 1.16 percent of infusions, the most common being fever, lightheadedness and dizziness.

Both PROLASTIN-C and PROLASTIN are made from human plasma.  Products made from human plasma may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents, e.g., viruses, and, theoretically, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) agent.  There is also the possibility that unknown infectious agents may be present in such products.

Please see PROLASTIN-C Product Monograph for complete prescribing details.  To obtain a copy of this Monograph from Talecris, please call 1-866-482-5226.

About Alpha1-Antitrypsin Deficiency

Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency, also known as AAT deficiency or alpha-1, 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 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 disease (COPD) causing disability and premature death. AAT deficiency is estimated to affect 200,000 people in North America and Europe.

About Talecris Biotherapeutics: Inspiration. Dedication. Innovation.

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. (http://www.talecris.com/)

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements

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.

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 October 1, 2009. Talecris undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement.

Contact:
Becky Levine
Tel.: 919.316.6316, Fax: 919.316.6377
E-mail: becky.levine@talecris.com