MELVILLE, N.Y., May 12 /PRNewswire/ -- V. I. Technologies, Inc.
(Nasdaq: VITX) completed its voluntary recall over the past week with an
additional thirty lots of PLAS+SD which were found to contain moderate to high
levels of parvovirus B19 DNA.  Fifteen of the lots recalled have outdated and
thus were no longer in distribution.  This recall is a precautionary measure.
At this time the Company believes further product withdrawals or recalls will
not be required, since all lots in distribution have now been tested.
    Since the initial recall of April 16, 1999, the Company has adopted a
process to screen untreated plasma for parvovirus B19 prior to commencing the
manufacturing process.  This screening uses an experimental, highly sensitive
PCR technology.  As the Company completes formal validation of the input
screening technique, it intends to apply to the FDA for a parvovirus B19 label
claim based on PCR screening.  A similar request for a label claim based on
testing for hepatitis A has been submitted and is pending review by the FDA.
    Upon completion of the FDA review and approval process, the Company
believes that PLAS+SD will be the first virally inactivated blood component
for transfusion able to claim testing for both parvovirus B19 and hepatitis A
virus as part of the routine manufacturing process.  These significant steps
are consistent with the Company's goal and commitment to enhancing the safety
of the blood supply.  Alternative products, including fresh frozen plasma
(FFP) and donor retested plasma (DR), are not routinely tested for parvovirus
B19 or hepatitis A virus.
    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).
    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, hepatitis C
virus and hepatitis B virus transmission by plasma.
    VITEX is a leading developer and manufacturer of a broad portfolio of
blood products that utilize its patented viral inactivation technologies
designed to ensure the safest possible 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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