ALPHA-1 TO GET $1 MILLION IN MATCHING FUNDS FROM TALECRIS.(Talecris Biotherapeutics Inc.)

The Alpha-1 Foundation will receive up to $1 million in grant matching funds from Talecris Biotherapeutics, Inc. to support research into alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic condition in which low levels of the essential blood protein alpha1-proteinase inhibitor, can cause emphysema.

The Talecris grant matches every dollar the Foundation raises in donations for research, up to one million dollars. Talecris developed and manufactures Prolastin (Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor [Human]), a leading treatment for alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency. The condition is the most prevalent, potentially fatal hereditary disease of Caucasians, having a greater prevalence in adults than cystic fibrosis.

"Talecris' generous and long-standing support has helped to advance the mission of the Alpha-1 Foundation for many years," said John Walsh, president and CEO of the Alpha-1 Foundation. "With their latest grant, every dollar donated for research -- up to a million dollars -- will be doubled this year." Since 1996, the Foundation has invested more than $35 million to support alpha1 -antitrypsin (AAT) research and programs in nearly 70 institutions in North America and Europe.

"The Alpha-1 Foundation has long been a leader in advancing alpha-1 research. We are proud of our history of support for the Foundation," said Talecris Executive Chairman and CEO Lawrence Stern. "In these economic times, we're pleased we can provide a positive incentive for others to leverage their contributions in support of this important mission."

"The only way to speed progress toward improved treatments and a cure for alpha-1 is through significantly increased investment in research, and Talecris is helping us to achieve that goal," Walsh said. The Foundation hosts more than a dozen fundraisers each year in local communities around the nation, from a fishing tournament in Key Largo to a golf tournament in Oklahoma City to an endurance climb in Glendale, Arizona. Each event is part of the Foundation's Building Friends for a Cure program.

About the Alpha-1 Foundation

The mission of the Alpha-1 Foundation is to provide the leadership and resources that will result in increased research, improved health, worldwide detection, and a cure for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.