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

The Talecris New Trials Support program

(Talents), sponsored by Talecris Biotherapeutics, Inc., is now accepting

applications for its 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, 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; and 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.
Talecris Biotherapeutics: Inspiration. Dedication. Innovation.
Talecris Biotherapeutics 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, and hemostasis. Talecris is

proudly building upon a 60-year legacy of innovation and a commitment to

improving the lives of people who rely on its therapeutic products. With

an emphasis on scientific inquiry and technological excellence, Talecris

is expanding its current portfolio of products, programs, and services

through its own world-class product development organization as well as

through strategic initiatives that leverage its strengths with those of

its partners.
Talecris, with revenues of approximately $1.2 billion in 2007, is

headquartered in biotech hub Research Triangle Park, N.C., and employs

more than 4,000 talented people worldwide.
To learn more about Talecris and how our employees are making a

difference in the lives of patients and the healthcare community, visit www.talecris.com.