MELVILLE, N.Y., April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- V.I. Technologies, Inc.
(Nasdaq: VITX) today initiated a voluntary recall of seven lots (about one
week's production) of PLAS+SD dating from June and July 1998, which were found
to contain moderate to high levels of parvovirus B19 DNA.  This recall is a
precautionary measure.  Further, the Company has taken steps to incorporate in
its product screening, experimental parvovirus B19 PCR testing in order to
ensure that this virus is below specified laboratory levels.  These steps are
consistent with the Company's goal and commitment to enhancing the safety of
the blood supply.
    In recent Phase IV safety studies, VITEX observed several seroconversions
to parvovirus B19 in healthy volunteers who received PLAS+SD from two lots
containing high concentrations of the virus.  There was no evidence of
clinical disease typical of parvovirus B19 associated with these
seroconversions.  Only one of the two lots involved in the safety studies had
been released to the market and it is included in the recall.  The recall of
the additional six lots and adoption of new screening procedures are intended
to further reduce the risks of parvovirus B19 infection.  As part of the
Company's ongoing efforts to further insure the safety of PLAS+SD, over the
next two weeks, testing of production to date will be conducted to assess the
need, if any, for an additional recall.
    As noted in the PLAS+SD product labeling, parvovirus B19 most seriously
affects pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals, and physicians are
asked to exercise caution when using this product in these patients.  PLAS+SD
continues to be the only form of transfusion plasma that incorporates a viral
inactivation step shown to virtually eliminate the risks of HIV, HBV and HCV
transmission by plasma.  Alternative products, including fresh frozen plasma
(FFP) and donor retested plasma (DR), are not routinely screened for
parvovirus B19.
    Parvovirus B19 is a non-lipid enveloped virus that commonly infects
humans.  Over 50% of all adults have been infected sometime during childhood
and adolescence.  About 20% of adults and children who are infected do not
develop symptoms and those infected develop antibodies which provide lasting
immunity.  The most common illness caused by parvovirus B19 is "fifth
disease", a mild rash which occurs most often in children and resolves in 7-10
days.  An adult not previously infected can develop a rash, or joint pain or
swelling, or both.  These symptoms usually resolve in a week or two but may
last for a longer period. (ref: National Center for Infectious Diseases).
    VITEX is scheduled to release first quarter earnings on April 20, and
continues to feel comfortable with market estimates for the first quarter.
    VITEX is a leading developer and manufacturer of a broad portfolio of
blood products that utilize its patented viral inactivation technologies
designed to ensure safe blood products.  The technologies are tailored for all
blood component applications and other blood-derived products, including
plasma, plasma derivatives, red blood cells and platelets.  The first of
VITEX's virally-inactivated products, PLAS+SD, is the only FDA approved method
for viral inactivation of plasma.
    Central to VITEX's strategy are collaborations to accelerate the
commercialization of its products.  These include agreements with Bayer
Corporation to supply plasma fractions, the American National Red Cross to
distribute PLAS+SD, United States Surgical Corporation for the development and
distribution of fibrin sealant and Pall Corporation for the development and
distribution of systems for the viral inactivation of red blood cells and
platelets.
    Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters
discussed are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor
provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These
statements involve risks and uncertainties, such as quarterly fluctuations in
operating results, the timely availability of new products, market acceptance
of the company's products, the impacts of competitive products and pricing,
government regulation of the company's products and other risks and
uncertainties set forth in the company's filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.  These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results
to differ materially from any forward-looking statements made herein.

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