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Prolacta® Bioscience Announces In-Vitro Study Results on Effects of Human Milk Fortifiers for Premature Infants
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The study focused exclusively on milk samples from mothers supplying milk for their premature babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The importance of the experiment was considerable, since breast milk alone is not sufficient to meet the higher nutritional needs of babies born significantly preterm. As such, human milk fortifiers are routinely used in the NICU to provide the added nutritional content needed by premature infants. The standard of care has been to use cow milk-derived human milk fortifiers. Prolacta is the first and only company to offer a commercially available human-derived human milk fortifier.
While not all bovine fortifiers have a negative effect on mother's milk antibacterial activity, current data indicates that human milk has benefits specific to infants in the NICU, particularly related to decreased incidences of sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The results of the experiment showed that human milk inhibited the growth of all of the test bacteria. The results also showed the following:
Breast milk has been shown in clinical research studies to help babies resist infections and decrease the incidence of serious diseases, such as NEC, sepsis, bacterial meningitis, and ear infections. The antibodies found in breast milk, as well as other human protective molecules are not present in other forms of milk, such as cow milk.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) www.who.int, breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants. WHO also believes that breast milk promotes sensory and cognitive development, and protects infants against infectious and chronic diseases. WHO also points to studies that indicate that exclusive breastfeeding reduces infant mortality due to common childhood illnesses such as diarrhoea or pneumonia, and helps for a quicker recovery during illness (http://www.who.int/child-adolescent-health/NUTRITION/infant_exclusive.htm).
Annually, about 62,000 babies in the United States are born very low birth weight, and nationwide, approximately 500,000 babies are born prematurely each year, which is equal to nearly 12% of all U.S. births. The rate of preterm birth has increased almost 35 percent between 1981 and 2005 (9.4 to 12.7 percent). Most babies that use Prolacta products are born weighing less than three pounds, five ounces (1,500 grams). These infants are considered very low birth weight, and are at substantial risk of serious health problems, lasting disabilities, and even death.
Prolacta is unique in its specialty of the nutritional needs for underweight, premature, and critically ill babies, focused on the first 30 days of life. As a result, the company understands the vital nutritional requirements in the NICU. Prolacta’s products are all made from donor human breast milk. The products are formulated to meet specific criteria as prescribed by neonatologists, which standardizes their products with precise calories, nutrients, and proteins.
Prolacta Bioscience (www.prolacta.com) is a life sciences company that is dedicated to improving quality of life by Advancing the Science of Human MilkTM. Prolacta creates specialty preparations made from human milk, therefore containing purely human protein, for the nutritional needs of premature and critically ill infants in NICUs. The company is the sole provider of a human milk fortifier made from 100% human milk, ProlactPlus H2MF. Prolacta operates a pharmaceutical grade processing plant and has designed and patented processes unique to the science of human milk. Prolacta is committed to supporting research in the areas of human milk and premature infant nutrition in order to assist health care professionals in providing the best possible care for the most fragile babies.
For a full copy of the study, please visit www.prolacta.com
Prolacta Chief Medical Officer to Present at 2008 Conference of the International Society for Research on Human Milk and Lactation
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Dr. Rechtman received his MD from State University of New York - Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine in 1980. Following a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in infectious diseases he served on the faculty of SUNY-Health Science Center at Brooklyn while helping to establish and lead the multi-disciplinary AIDS care team at the affiliated Kings County Hospital. Since leaving academia he has had over two decades of experience in the development of new therapies and products in the biotech/pharma sector.
Prolacta Bioscience (www.prolacta.com) is a life science company that is Advancing the Science of Human Milk™. Human milk is one of nature’s most complex and valuable substances. Prolacta offers a suite of specialty formulations of human milk for the nutritional needs of premature and critically ill infants. The company operates a pharmaceutical grade processing plant and has designed and patented techniques unique to the processing of human milk. Prolacta is committed to supporting research in the areas of human milk and premature infant nutrition in order to assist health care professionals in providing the best possible care for the most fragile babies.
Prolacta Bioscience Processes 55,000 Ounces of Donor Breast Milk for International Breast Milk Project Shipment to South Africa
“I am thrilled that so many women across the country are as passionate about this issue as I am,” said Jill Youse, founder of IBMP. “This monumental amount of breast milk being sent to South Africa will come to the aid of babies who have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS. It will provide them with an excellent source of nutrients that are not found in anything else except for breast milk.”
Several organizations were involved in donating products and services in order to make the shipment to South Africa possible. Prolacta (www.prolacta.com) processed 55,000 ounces of milk to ensure safety and quality, so that the end product mirrors the quality and nutritional value of their products provided to neonatal intensive care units in the United States. Quick International (www.qintl.com) donated the shipping and courier services for delivery of the breast milk to the iThemba Lethu orphanage, Avent (www.avent.com) donated 5,500 baby bottles, Miracle Blanket (www.miracleblanket.com) donated dozens of swaddling blankets, Amy’s Kitchen (www.amyskitchen.com) donated 144 cases of canned goods, and Global Cold Chain Alliance (www.gcca.org/gcca/) helped find a cold storage facility to house the donor milk in Durban.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) www.who.int, breastfeeding is an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants. WHO also believes that breast milk promotes sensory and cognitive development, and protects infants against infectious and chronic diseases. WHO also points to studies that indicate that exclusive breastfeeding reduces infant mortality due to common childhood illnesses such as diarrhoea or pneumonia, and helps for a quicker recovery during illness (Visit Site).
Prolacta specializes in the nutritional needs of underweight, premature, and critically ill babies, focused on the first 30 days of life. Infants born weighing less than three pounds, five ounces (1,500 grams) are considered very low birth weight, and are at substantial risk of serious health problems, lasting disabilities, and even death. Annually, about 62,000 babies in the United States are born very low birth weight, and nationwide, approximately 500,000 babies are born prematurely each year, which is equal to nearly 12% of all U.S. births. The rate of preterm birth has increased 27 percent between 1982 and 2002, from 9.4 percent to 11.9 percent.
“When approached by Jill Youse and asked to assist in their program helping babies in Africa, we were more than happy to step up since our organization is committed to improving neonatal nutrition for critically ill babies,” said Scott Elster, CEO of Prolacta. “While we are still a small, startup organization, we felt that IBMP was working towards such an amazing and noble cause, that there was no question in our mind as to whether we should help.”
Prolacta’s products are made from donor human breast milk. Breast milk has been shown in clinical research studies to help babies resist infections and decrease the incidence of serious diseases, such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis, bacterial meningitis, and ear infections. The antibodies found in breast milk, as well as other human protective molecules are not present in other forms of milk, such as cow milk.
Prolacta Bioscience Appoints Ellen N. Cushing as Vice President Sales and Marketing
“The addition of Ms. Cushing to our management group makes for a truly extraordinary leadership team,” said Scott Elster, CEO of Prolacta. “Her level of medical industry expertise, knowledge, and understanding, particularly perinatal and neonatal care, is not easily found. Her invaluable experience will go far in helping Prolacta continue its quest to help critically ill and premature infants.”
Prolacta specializes in the nutritional needs of underweight, premature, and critically ill babies, focused on the first 30 days of life. Infants born weighing less than three pounds, five ounces (1,500 grams) are considered very low birth weight, and are at substantial risk of serious health problems, lasting disabilities, and even death. Annually, about 55,000 babies in the United States are born very low birth weight, and nationwide, approximately 500,000 babies are born prematurely each year, which is equal to nearly 12% of all U.S. births. The rate of preterm birth has increased 27 percent between 1982 and 2002, from 9.4 percent to 11.9 percent.
Prolacta’s products are made from donor human breast milk. Breast milk has been shown in clinical research studies to help babies resist infections and decrease the incidence of serious diseases, such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis, bacterial meningitis, and ear infections. The antibodies found in breast milk, as well as other human protective molecules are not present in other forms of milk, such as cow milk.
About Prolacta
Prolacta Bioscience Closes on over $12 Million in Private Funding
The announcement of Mr. Bacich as new chairman of the board adds one of the most experienced and respected health care executives in plasma therapeutics to the Prolacta organization. Working closely with CEO Scott Elster, also a former Baxter executive, and other veteran industry executives within the Prolacta team, Mr. Bacich will undoubtedly strengthen the execution of proven and successful business strategies.
“The demand for Prolacta products has grown significantly since it was commercially introduced in 2005, as caregivers in the NICU have realized that bovine (cow)-based fortifier can cause severe intolerance issues with delicate infants in the NICU,” said Mr. Elster. “Having John Bacich, a highly respected health care expert with relevant industry experience as our chairman, will be a significant benefit to Prolacta and the patients we serve. John will play a critical role in our efforts to permanently improve the standard of care for critically ill and vulnerable babies.”
Mr. Bacich has been involved in the biopharmaceutical industry for 38 years, most of which was with Baxter Healthcare beginning in 1968 and retiring in 1998. He held a variety of positions including quality management, research and development, global manufacturing operations, and general management, leading to the presidency of what is now called the Bioscience Division of Baxter Healthcare. In his capacity as president, Mr. Bacich was responsible for the plasma products worldwide and the development of the recombinant proteins business.
“I built my career at Baxter, where we produced vital products from human plasma that saved lives every day,” said John Bacich, chairman of Prolacta. “It is truly fulfilling to put that experience to work at Prolacta, developing human milk-based products that save the lives of premature and critically ill babies.”
Babies in the NICU, born weighing less than five pounds, eight ounces (2,500 grams), are considered low birth weight and are at an increased risk of serious health problems, lasting disabilities, and even death. About one in every 13 babies in the United States is born with low birth weight, and nationwide, approximately 500,000 babies are born prematurely each year, which is equal to nearly 12% of all U.S. births. The rate of preterm birth has increased 27 percent between 1982 and 2002, from 9.4 percent to 11.9 percent.
Prolacta’s products contain crucial antibodies from the mother that can help these babies resist infections and serious diseases, such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis, and bacterial meningitis. Human milk has been shown in clinical research studies to decrease the incidence of infection and disease. The antibodies found in human milk, as well as other protective molecules are not present in other forms of milk, such as cow milk.
“As the leader in the science of human milk, we are extremely pleased to have the support of a blue chip investor such as Alta Partners,” said Frank Foster, former chairman and current member of Prolacta’s board of directors. “Their extensive industry experience will accelerate our mission of improving the lives of critically ill and premature infants.”
About Alta Partners
About Prolacta
Legalzoom, Snap.com, Prolacta Named Winners of Entretech / Pricewaterhousecoopers Fourth Annual Entrepreneurship Award 2007
The purpose of the Entrepreneurship Award is to honor growing, leading edge companies symbolizing the best in entrepreneurial spirit and skills. This year, the Program was divided into three revenue categories to accommodate the growing interest of applicants, which ranged from companies earning under $1 million in annual revenues in 2006 to over $115 million.
“The high quality of applicants made the selection process extremely difficult,” said Stephanie Yanchinski, Executive Director of Entretech. “LegalZoom, Snap.com and Prolacta Bioscience ultimately received the award based on clear evidence of product acceptance in the marketplace, their potential for significant increases in revenue and profitability, and their dynamic management teams with a proven record of execution.”
“We’re pleased with the tremendous growth of the Entrepreneurship Award since its inception four years ago,” said Louise Wannier, Chairman of the Entrepreneurship Award Advisory Committee. “The program continues to attract an amazing group of applicants, as well as recognition from the VC and technology communities throughout California.”
“We’re honored to have been recognized with the Entrepreneurship Award,” said John Suh, CEO of LegalZoom. “Entretech has provided instrumental support to many technology companies and brought much visibility to the many entrepreneurial efforts in Southern California.”
About the Winners
$5 million plus 2006 revenue
$1 to $5 million 2006 revenue
Under $1 million 2006 revenue
About Entretech
Entretech (www.entretech.org) is the leading non-profit association in Greater Los Angeles empowering entrepreneurs to build new businesses through capital, education, people, and strategic partners. It provides the high tech community with critical and practical business development resources and connections. Recently expanding its geographical reach beyond the San Gabriel Valley to cover all of Los Angeles, Entretech formed a closer relationship with the Tech Coast Angels, alongside an existing partnership with the Pasadena Angels. In addition, in 2007, vice provosts from USC and UCLA joined Caltech on the Entretech Board, representing a powerful regional triumvirate of innovation. Since its inception more than seven years ago, Entretech has worked closely with other organizations throughout the region, including the Caltech/MIT Enterprise Forum, the Keck Graduate Institute, the NASA Commercialization Center, the Business Technology Center, LARTA, the LAEDC, the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership, and the Cities of Pasadena, Monrovia and Irwindale. Entretech is positioned to work with communities throughout Los Angeles to advance a significant cluster of advanced-tech development. Entretech operates from an office on the Caltech campus.
Prolacta Bioscience Adds Joe Fournell and Mitchell Kirk to Management Team
“Both Joe and Mitch have the experience and understanding necessary to support the management team in reaching our overarching objectives,” said Scott Elster, CEO of Prolacta. “These two gentlemen have the healthcare management expertise and the drive to help us fulfill our mission of helping critically ill babies.”
Prolacta specializes in the nutritional needs of underweight, premature, and critically ill babies, focused on the first 30 days of life. Infants born weighing less than five pounds, eight ounces (2,500 grams) are considered low birth weight, and are at increased risk of serious health problems, lasting disabilities, and even death. About one in every 13 babies in the United States is born with low birth weight, and nationwide, approximately 500,000 babies are born prematurely each year, which is equal to nearly 12% of all U.S. births. The rate of preterm birth has increased 27 percent between 1982 and 2002, from 9.4 percent to 11.9 percent.
Prolacta’s products, which are made of human milk, contain crucial antibodies from the mother that can help the baby resist infections and serious diseases, such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis, bacterial meningitis, and ear infections. Human milk has been shown in clinical research studies to decrease the incidence of these conditions. The antibodies found in human milk, as well as other protective molecules are not present in other forms of milk, such as cow milk.
About Prolacta
Prolacta Bioscience Appoints John Bacich to Board of Directors
“We are honored to have such an accomplished and esteemed talent on our board of directors,” said Scott Elster, CEO of Prolacta. “With nearly four decades of experience, Mr. Bacich brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to our organization.
Prolacta specializes in the nutritional needs of underweight, premature, and critically ill babies, focused on the first 30 days of life. Infants born weighing less than five pounds, eight ounces (2,500 grams) are considered low birth weight, and are at increased risk of serious health problems, lasting disabilities, and even death. About one in every 13 babies in the United States is born with low birth weight, and nationwide, approximately 500,000 babies are born prematurely each year, which is equal to nearly 12% of all U.S. births. The rate of preterm birth has increased 27 percent between 1982 and 2002, from 9.4 percent to 11.9 percent.
Mr.Bacich was a charter board member of Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) which is the only industry association for plasma products producers and their recombinant equivalents. He remains active in the industry as a consultant, as a board member on select commercial firms, and as a director of the Southern California Hemophilia Society. He holds a B.S. degree in Microbiology from California State University, Long Beach.
“Prolacta is an incredible organization that is improving the standard of care for critically ill and premature infants,” said Mr. Bacich. “I look forward to being an active board member and contributing to the efforts that will have a positive impact on the world’s most vulnerable babies.”
Prolacta’s products, which are made of human milk, contain crucial antibodies from the mother that can help the baby resist infections and serious diseases, such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis, bacterial meningitis, and ear infections. Human milk has been shown in clinical research studies to decrease the incidence of these conditions. The antibodies found in human milk, as well as other protective molecules are not present in other forms of milk, such as cow milk.
About Prolacta
Prolacta Bioscience Names Scott Elster as CEO
“We are extremely pleased to have attracted an executive of Mr. Elster’s caliber to lead Prolacta,” said Prolacta co-founder and president Elena Medo, and Chief Science Officer Dr. Martin Lee. “His experience at Baxter Bioscience will be extremely valuable as we complete our clinical trials and establish Prolacta formulas as the standard of care for feeding premature and critically ill infants.”
Prolacta specializes in the nutritional needs of underweight, premature, and critically ill babies, focused on the first 30 days of life. Infants born weighing less than five pounds, eight ounces (2,500 grams) are considered low birth weight, and are at increased risk of serious health problems, lasting disabilities, and even death. About one in every 13 babies in the United States is born with low birth weight, and nationwide, approximately 500,000 babies are born prematurely each year, which is equal to nearly 12% of all U.S. births. The rate of preterm birth has increased 27 percent between 1982 and 2002, from 9.4 percent to 11.9 percent.
“I am looking forward to leading an organization that is committed to the well being of critically ill babies,” said Mr. Elster. “Being a part of Prolacta means that I am helping to make a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of the most vulnerable infants, through innovative products world class research.”
Prolacta’s products, which are made of human milk, contain crucial antibodies from the mother that can help the baby resist infections and serious diseases, such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis, bacterial meningitis, and ear infections. Human milk has been shown in clinical research studies to decrease the incidence of these conditions. The antibodies found in human milk, as well as other protective molecules are not present in other forms of milk, such as cow milk.
About Prolacta
Prolacta Bioscience Closes on over $5 Million in Private Funding
“Arcturus is excited to be a part of Prolacta at a very crucial time in the company’s development,” said Stephen Watkins, managing director of Arcturus Capital. “We are committed to assisting the company as they seek to fundamentally change the way that babies are fed in the NICU.”
Prolacta specializes in the nutritional needs of underweight, premature, and critically ill babies, focused on the first 30 days of life. Infants born weighing less than five pounds, eight ounces (2,500 grams) are considered low birth weight, and are at increased risk of serious health problems, lasting disabilities, and even death. About one in every 13 babies in the United States is born with low birth weight, and nationwide, approximately 500,000 babies are born prematurely each year, which is equal to nearly 12% of all U.S. births. The rate of preterm birth has increased 27 percent between 1982 and 2002, from 9.4 percent to 11.9 percent.
The series B prime financing underscores the organization’s stability and long-term growth potential, as hospitals around the country have increased their use of Prolacta's human milk fortifier, trophic feed formulations, and calorie specific milk formulations for hospitalized premature infants.
Prolacta’s products, which are made of human milk, contain crucial antibodies from the mother that can help the baby resist infections and serious diseases, such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis, bacterial meningitis, and ear infections. Human milk has been shown in clinical research studies to decrease the incidence of these conditions. The antibodies found in human milk, as well as other protective molecules are not present in other forms of milk, such as cow milk.
This round of funding will provide resources for Prolacta to complete several important studies which will demonstrate the benefits of its 100% human milk formulations for neonates, and it will also allow Prolacta to bring in additional world class executives to drive the company’s growth.
“Prolacta is pleased to have the support of such sophisticated investors,” said Frank H. Foster, executive chairman of Prolacta Bioscience. “It is a strong endorsement of our mission to improve the lives of thousands of infants.”
About Prolacta
About Arcturus
About DFJ Mercury
About Funk Ventures Capital Partners
About Philip Capital
About Gideon Hixon Fund
About Draper Richards
About DFJ Frontier
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