Announcing the Launch of Talecris Biotherapeutics: Combining a Proud History of Patient Care with a Bold New Vision.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. -- Talecris To Apply Innovative Approach to Its Inherited, 60-Year Legacy of Providing Life-Saving and Life Enhancing Plasma-Derived Therapeutic Proteins

Talecris Biotherapeutics, Holdings Corp. (Talecris), a new corporation that acquired the contributed assets of Bayer HealthCare, LLC, Biological Products Division's (BP) plasma business, today launches its worldwide therapeutic proteins business, Talecris Biotherapeutics, Inc.

The transaction between Bayer and Talecris was completed yesterday, with the new company becoming operational today. Private investment firms Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., New York, and Ampersand Ventures of Wellesley, Mass., provided the financial backing for Talecris.

In addition to the completion of the transaction with Bayer and the launch of its worldwide therapeutic proteins business, Talecris announced it has signed an agreement with Ampersand to acquire the plasma fractionation and contract manufacturing facilities of Precision Pharma Services, located in Melville, N.Y.

Driven by a bold vision to be the recognized global leader in developing and delivering premium protein therapies, Talecris is committed to growing and strengthening the previous Bayer plasma products and Precision Pharma businesses it has acquired. Talecris is well positioned to achieve this vision by continuing to offer innovative, market-leading products, such as Gamunex(R) (Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human), 10%, Caprylate/Chromatography Purified) and Prolastin(R) (Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Human)). (For complete product list, see Talecris Products section.) Additionally, Talecris will continue to develop new products and services, serving the unmet needs of its current and future critical care patient communities.

Talecris Executive Chairman Larry Stern shared his excitement over the launch of the new company. "Talecris has a unique opportunity to expand and grow the long history of patient service and new product innovation, quality, and safety we inherited from Bayer. I am convinced that we have the best people, products, facilities, and management team in the business. When you combine the assets of Talecris and Precision Pharma with our focused, entrepreneurial approach to new product development, application of cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, and marketing and customer services, I know we will be able to achieve our vision of global market leadership."

Maintaining and Growing Customer Relationships

Virtually all of the management and employees who had been dedicated to Bayer's plasma business have become Talecris employees and, accordingly, Talecris has a deep understanding of the patient communities and their unique needs and concerns. Together with Precision Pharma, Talecris recognizes that maintaining and growing existing, valued relationships with health care professionals, customers, distributors, and patients are critical success factors. Two key patient support organizations, the Jeffrey Modell Foundation, representing primary immune deficiencies, and the Alpha-1 Foundation, representing genetic lung disease caused by alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiencies, shared their views on opportunities presented by Talecris.

"The Jeffrey Modell Foundation looks forward to working with Talecris as they maintain and expand their dedication to the immune disorders community," said Fred Modell, with his wife Vicki, co-founders of the Jeffrey Modell Foundation. "We are genuinely excited about the opportunity to forge an even stronger, partnering relationship in the future."

John W. Walsh, president, CEO, and co-founder of the Alpha-1 Foundation, said, "It is reassuring to know that Talecris will bring the same understanding and commitment to the alpha-1 community that we have come to expect from the extended period of leadership established by Bayer BP. I look forward to working with the new organization as they apply their bold, new vision for the benefit of the alpha-1 community."

Talecris Manufacturing

The state-of-the-art production facility in Clayton, N. C. will continue to be Talecris' primary manufacturing site. In addition, fractionation capacity will be significantly increased by the addition of Precision Pharma Services and its employees based in Melville, N.Y. Precision Pharma has a long-standing relationship with Bayer, providing fractionation services to produce intermediate product materials. Precision's resources will provide increased business flexibility through complementary manufacturing capabilities and a growing contract services business. As a result, Talecris is well-positioned to meet future demands for its key products.

Talecris Products

The following products will be offered by Talecris Biotherapeutics. See www.talecris.com for full prescribing information, contraindications, and adverse effects.

--Gamunex(R) (Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human), 10%, Caprylate/Chromatography Purified)

--Prolastin(R) (Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor (Human)), Plasbumin(R) (Albumin (Human))

--Plasbumin(R) (Albumin (Human), available in 5%, 20%, and 25% concentrations) and Plasmanate(R) (Plasma Protein Fraction (Human), 5%)

--Koate(R) DVI (Antihemophilic Factor (Human))

--Thrombate(R) III (Antithrombin III