Talecris Announces 2008 Application Cycle for Talents Research Grants, Presents 2007 Grant Awardees

Program grants $1 million annually to clinicians and scientists implementing novel studies with intravenous immunoglobulin therapies

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. (May 2008) — The Talecris New Trials Support program (Talents), sponsored by Talecris Biotherapeutics, Inc., is now accepting applications for the 2008 research grants cycle. The Talents program, entering its third year, aims to advance basic and clinical research addressing the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IGIV) in immunological, hematological, and neurological indications. Totaling $1 million annually, the grants support either a one- or two-year research period and include funding for salary, overheads, and direct costs.

Application Process
Effective immediately, interested investigators are invited to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to the Talents Evaluation Committee, a committee comprised of Talecris scientists and external experts in immunology, neurology, and hematology. The deadline for submission of an LOI for the 2008 cycle is August 4, 2008. Upon LOI approval by the Evaluation Committee, investigators will receive a full application form to be completed by mid-October 2008. Selection of proposals for funding will be based on scientific merit, applicant qualifications, research environment, and consistency with the overall Talents program goals. Funding decisions and notification of award recipients will be made in late 2008 with funding beginning in 2009.

“When we announced this program in 2006, we did so with an aim to support the intellectual endeavors of the global IGIV research community,” said Larry Stern, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Talecris Biotherapeutics. “The scientific knowledge and insights gained from these funded studies are significant, and we continue to be impressed with the quality of the research teams and scientific proposals"

2007 Grant Recipients
Five clinicians who represent life science institutions from around the world received 2007 Talents grants. Grant monies will fund clinical and basic research studies ranging from the effects of IGIV on dendritic cell maturation, to the use of IGIV to protect kidney function from ischemia reperfusion, to a multi-year study investigating the effect of IGIV on complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The selected grant awardees represent three countries across Europe and North America: Germany, Canada, and the United States. Investigators and their academic institutions are listed below:

* Dr. Mark Ballow, Pediatric Associates, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
* Dr. Franz Blaes, Justus-Liebig-University, Glaessen, Germany
* Dr. Jacob Prendergast, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
* Dr. Hamid Rabb, Johns Hopkins University, Nephrology Division, Baltimore, Maryland
* Dr. Barbara Wasowska, Johns Hopkins University, Department of Pathology, Baltimore, Maryland

“As we enter our third year, Talents is attracting proposals from well-established scientists and clinicians working to implement novel approaches in IGIV therapy,” said Rene McRogers, Director of Scientific Relations and Communications and Talents Program Chair at Talecris Biotherapeutics. “We hope these innovative ideas will have a positive impact on this field and lead to insights that will help us further improve patient care.”

All information about the program, including how to apply, is available on the Talents Web site, www.talecristalents.com.