(Feb. 21, 2008) — Talecris Biotherapeutics, Inc., a leading global biotherapeutics and biotechnology company, is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the launch of Prolastin® (Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor [Human]). Prolastin is the market leader among alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) augmentation therapies and is used to treat people with AAT deficiency, or Alpha-1, who have developed emphysema as a result of low circulating levels of AAT. AAT deficiency is an inherited condition thought to affect as many as 150,000 people in North America and Europe, although only an estimated five percent have been diagnosed. Prolastin was the first plasma-derived AAT augmentation therapy to receive approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Approved in December 1987, and launched in February 1988, Prolastin was the first FDA-approved product for AAT augmentation therapy for Alpha-1 patients and remained so for nearly 17 years......Before Prolastin was approved, people with Alpha-1 received only supportive therapy for their pulmonary symptoms but did not have access to a specific therapy that raises AAT (anti-elastase) levels above the protective threshold to preserve lung function... Talecris' Press Release -
