Upon Approval, Product Will be First Routinely Screened for Parvovirus B19

    MELVILLE, N.Y., Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- V.I. Technologies, Inc.
(Nasdaq: VITX), the first company to manufacture virally inactivated
transfusion plasma in the U.S., today announced that it has submitted
validation data to the FDA and has requested the approval of an expanded label
claim to reflect the screening of PLAS+(R)SD for parvovirus B19.  Upon
approval, PLAS+(R)SD will be the only blood or plasma product routinely tested
for parvovirus B19.
    Parvovirus B19 is a non-lipid enveloped virus that commonly infects
humans.  Symptoms include fever, drowsiness, chills, and runny nose, followed
by a rash and joint pain.  While parvovirus B19 infection is typically benign,
it can have significant medical consequences for pregnant women,
immune-compromised individuals and patients suffering from hemolytic anemia.
Healthcare professionals should carefully consider the risks and benefits of
using this as well as all plasma products in these patients.
    Since May 1999, VITEX has been exploring the screening of PLAS+(R)SD for
parvovirus B19 using the highly sensitive "polymerase chain reaction" or PCR
technique.  This testing was initiated to ensure that each lot of manufactured
product is released in compliance with an FDA-agreed upon limit on the
presence of the parvovirus genome.  As a result of the testing's consistent
and reliable performance, this additional step has been added to the product's
criteria for release.
    John Barr, President and CEO of VITEX commented, "The value and importance
of our viral inactivation platform continues to be demonstrated by how quickly
and effectively we have improved the safety profile of PLAS+(R)SD.  VITEX's
technologies inactivate life-threatening viruses such as HIV, Hepatitis C and
Hepatitis B.  We recently received FDA approval to modify PLAS+(R)SD's product
labeling to claim routine testing of the hepatitis A virus using the PCR
technique, a first for a transfusion plasma.  Upon FDA approval, we will add
screening for parvovirus B19, another safety first for PLAS+(R)SD."
    As an additional control, VITEX has also been exploring the screening of
untreated source plasma for parvovirus B19 as it enters the manufacturing
process and prior to commencing production.  This screening likewise employs a
currently experimental PCR technique.  Actions to support expedited validation
and subsequent application to the FDA for approval of this testing are
ongoing.
    VITEX is a leading developer and manufacturer of a broad portfolio of
blood products that utilize its patented viral inactivation technologies to
achieve the greatest possible safety in 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+(R)SD, is the first
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+(R)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.
    To receive additional information on V.I. Technologies, Inc., via fax, at
no charge, dial 1-800-PRO-INFO and enter code VITX.

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