ZLB Bioplasma's Products Are Not Susceptible to Viral Transmission by Smallpox-Inoculated Donors.

Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers

GLENDALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 8, 2003

Company's Nanofiltration Process Is Effective

in Removing Both Vaccinia and Variola Viruses

Recently, the U.S. government began implementing the National Smallpox Vaccination Program, designed to protect the country against a biological terrorist attack. The inoculation plan has caused some concern, since the vaccine uses live vaccinia, an Orthopoxvirus belonging to the family Poxviridae, which includes other viruses such as variola (smallpox) and cow pox.

Because vaccinia can cause serious adverse reactions in certain individuals, inoculations will only be given to those most at risk. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended donor deferral guidelines to prevent transmission through the blood supply.

ZLB Bioplasma's scientists and virologists have confirmed that the company's manufacturing processes, centered around nanofiltration, are effective in preventing contamination of its plasma-derived products by vaccinia. (Poxviridae have an average size of approximately 300x250 nanometers).

ZLB Bioplasma's Carimune(TM) NF is the only IGIV product offered in the United States to employ nanofiltration, a process which targets both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, as well as other particles larger than 50 nanometers -- all without using heat or chemicals such as solvent/detergent and caprylate. Because nanofiltration is based on size-exclusion, it can be reasonably assumed that the process is equally effective in removing pox viruses.

About ZLB Bioplasma Inc.

ZLB Bioplasma Inc. is a major source of intravenous immunoglobulin (human) -- IGIV -- and other specialty plasma-derived products for the U.S. The company's focus is on helping the U.S. healthcare community improve the quality of life for patients by providing a steady supply of safe and effective immune-based therapies and related services.

ZLB Bioplasma Inc.'s affiliate, ZLB Bioplasma AG, develops and manufactures the plasma-derived products, using the plasma of U.S. donors, for its U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-licensed products. ZLB Bioplasma AG, originally a laboratory of the Swiss Red Cross, has 50 years of experience in plasma fractionation. The company developed the first intact IGIV product in 1979 and is the only manufacturer to offer an uninterrupted supply since that time.

ZLB Bioplasma AG is a wholly owned subsidiary of CSL Limited, a leading biotechnology and biopharmaceutical company founded in 1916 in Melbourne, Australia.

ZLB Bioplasma's products are available nationally through wholesalers, distributors and group purchasing organizations or direct from ZLB Bioplasma. For more information, visit www.zlbusa.com or call 866/244-2ZLB (2952).