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The PRDT prion removal technology is presently being used in the P-Capt (R) prion filter, CE marked in September 2006, and marketed by MacoPharma for the elimination of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies ("TSEs") such as vCJD in red blood cell concentrates.
"ProMetic is extremely excited about the progress of this product. This
new use represents an extension of the PRDT prion capture technology
platform into the plasma and plasma fractionation industry and we trust
this will culminate in introduction of our first prion reduction product
for the biopharmaceutical industry in 2008," commented Pierre Laurin,
President and Chief Executive Officer of ProMetic.
Notes for Editors
About Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease ("vCJD") is characterized by the
accumulation of large deposits in the brain and the nervous system of the
misfolded prion protein. The resulting damage causes sponge-like holes to
appear in the brain causing a fatal degenerative CNS disorder. Such
abnormal prion proteins may be sufficient to transmit the disease. It is
now thought that all the population is susceptible to vCJD, irrespective of
genetic make-up. vCJD was initially transmitted to humans by the
consumption of BSE contaminated meat, but a secondary route of transmission
by the transfusion of blood units from asymptomatic vCJD individuals
threatens to increase the prevalence of the fatal disease. Although the
first incidence of vCJD appears to have peaked, scientists still remain
concerned over the potential of a second longer incubation and bigger peak
and caution vigilance. Recent scientific research estimates that there are
3,800 asymptomatic vCJD carriers in the UK at a minimum and the 2006
National CJD Surveillance Unit report stated that "the incidence of vCJD
may increase agai
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