Talecris Drug Gets FDA OK

Research Triangle Park-based Talecris Biotherapeutics continues to notch news-making successes, with a new marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for a more potent formulation of its PROLASTIN emphysema therapy.

Talecris, which joined the ranks of North Carolina's publicly traded biotechnology companies at the beginning of the month, raised $950 million in what was America's second-largest initial public offering of the year--and the only biotech company to go public.

Now Talecris has the go-ahead from the FDA to market PROLASTIN-C, a concentrated version of its intravenous treatment for a genetic protein deficiency that produces emphysema. The new version reduces infusion time and hassle, according to the company.

Talecris, established only four years ago, produces plasma-derived protein therapies for various diseases, including bleeding disorders and acute liver and kidney failure, and operates a series of plasma-collection sites, separating the component from blood provided by people who sell it to the firm.

Much of the company's plasma is collected by its Talecris Plasma Resources division, which has facilities in Winston-Salem and Research Triangle Park.

Talecris has become one of the state's largest and fastest-growing biotechnology companies, employing some 2,300 in the state and more than 4,500 globally. Sales last year alone brought in more than $1.4 billion.