Press Releases
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International Breast Milk Project Donates 2,500 Bottles of Breast Milk to AIDS-stricken Babies in South Africa
Organization calls on US mothers to donate milk for next shipment NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2011-- The US-based International Breast Milk Project (IBMP), Prolacta Bioscience and Quick International Courier in a joint humanitarian effort delivered 10,000 ounces (2,500 bottles) of donor breast milk to be utilized by premature, sick and orphaned infants in Cape Town and Durban, South Africa. Click here to read more » The Cape Town and Durban based non-profits, Milk Matters and iThemba Lethu, distribute donor breast milk to over 25 major hospitals and two orphan homes for children affected by AIDS. Emphasizing the need for continued supply of donor breast milk, Dr. Max Kroon says, "In the developing world, breast-feeding and breast milk feeding are key interventions to promote child health and survival. These benefits are greater in preterm babies and are undermined if they get any non-human milk. With up to 200 HIV-exposed babies born at Cape Town's Mowbray Maternity Hospital every month, donor milk is critical to ensuring that these babies only get human milk which reduces the risk of HIV transmission while retaining the benefits of breast milk." Penny Reimer, Director of iThemba Lethu Milk Bank, explained, "Breast milk provides optimal nutrition for babies orphaned as a result of HIV. It substantially improves their quality of life, reduces infections for those who are HIV infected and these babies grow and thrive on breast milk." In an appeal to mothers in the US to donate milk for these vulnerable infants in Africa, IBMP's Executive Director, Amanda Nickerson states, "Donor breast milk is one of the most important resources for infants in developing countries and the demand consistently outstrips the supply." Quick International Courier, global medical transportation and logistics specialists, donated their services to provide the fastest and most secure cold chain transportation services from Monrovia, California to South Africa. Prolacta Bioscience, a life science company, that creates specialty formulations made exclusively from human milk for the nutritional needs of critically ill premature infants, partners with International Breast Milk Project by processing and packaging the donated breast milk to ensure its quality and safety. International Breast Milk Project has provided over 277,682 ounces, or 69,420 bottles, of life-giving donor breast milk to infants in South Africa. www.breastmilkproject.org CONTACTS: Amanda Nickerson, Amanda@breastmilkproject.org Tel: 786.837.3082 Nosh Nalavala, Mediaglobal News, United Nations nosh.nalavala@mediaglobal.org, Tel: 609.529.6129 SOURCE International Breast Milk Project RELATED LINKS http://www.breastmilkproject.org Close Section » Prolacta Bioscience® Becomes Sponsor of Make-A-Wish Foundation® MONROVIA, Calif.-- Prolacta Bioscience has announced that it has become a sponsor of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Prolacta is the first and only company to offer human milk fortifier (HMF) made from 100% human breast milk for critically ill, premature infants. The Make-A-Wish Foundation, known for granting wishes of children between the ages of 2 ½ to 18 with life-threatening medical conditions, will receive a minimum annual contribution of $30,000 from Prolacta. The donation will be used by the Make-A-Wish Foundation to grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. “While Prolacta cares for the needs of critically ill infants, the Make-A-Wish Foundation cares for kids with life-threatening medical conditions, making this relationship a natural fit” Click here to read more » Through the agreement, Prolacta will contribute one dollar to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for every ounce of qualified breast milk collected through the Milk for Wishes Milk Bank (Milk for Wishes). Milk for Wishes is a virtual milk bank (www.milkforwishes.com) that allows mothers who have excess breast milk to donate in the privacy and comfort of their home. The donated milk is sent to Prolacta, where it is then used to make the only HMF from human milk, as opposed to cow milk, for extremely premature infants (those born weighing two pounds twelve ounces or less). The announcement, made in November, marks National Prematurity Awareness Month. “We are honored to be working with an organization that strives to do nothing less than make a child with a life-threatening medical condition smile,” said Scott Elster, CEO of Prolacta. “Our focus on fragile, critically ill infants makes for a strong partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which is changing lives for children and their families.” Neonatologists prescribe Prolacta’s breast milk-based fortifier Prolact+ H2MF® for extremely premature infants. It is concentrated breast milk that is added to the mother’s breast milk or to donor milk (if a mother’s own milk is unavailable), in order to meet the precise protein and caloric needs of the preemie. Prolact+ H2MF can only be administered in a hospital setting and cannot be purchased directly by consumers. “While Prolacta cares for the needs of critically ill infants, the Make-A-Wish Foundation cares for kids with life-threatening medical conditions, making this relationship a natural fit,” said David A. Williams, president and chief executive officer of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. “This program has a unique opportunity to help improve the lives of both premature infants and kids who are eligible for a wish in communities across the country.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than a half million babies in the United States (one in eight) are born premature each year.1 Prematurity occurs in infants who are born at less than 37 weeks of gestation, and it is the leading cause of death among newborn babies. Some preemies require special care and spend weeks or months hospitalized in a NICU before they are able to go home to their families. About the Make-A-Wish Foundation The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Based in Phoenix, the Foundation is one of the world’s leading children’s charities, serving children in every community in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and more than 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish every 39 minutes. It has granted more than 212,000 wishes in the United States since its inception in 1980. Visit the Make-A-Wish Foundation at www.wish.org and discover how you can share the power of a wish®. About Prolacta Prolacta Bioscience, Inc. (www.prolacta.com) is a life science company dedicated to improving quality of life by Advancing the Science of Human MilkTM. Prolacta creates specialty formulations made exclusively from human milk for the nutritional needs of critically ill premature infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. It is the first and only company to provide a human milk fortifier made from 100% human milk, Prolact+ H2MFTM. They operate a pharmaceutical grade processing plant and have designed and patented processes that enable them to make their one-of-a-kind life saving products. Prolacta is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the most vulnerable infants through world-class research and innovative products. 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2010). Premature Birth. In 2010 CDC Features. Retrieved October 26, 2011, from http://www.cdc.gov/Features/PrematureBirth Close Section » Prematurity Awareness Month – How to Make a Difference Helping Hands Milk Bank Collects Human Milk to Help Preemies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit SALT LAKE CITY--In recognition of National Prematurity Awareness Month, Helping Hands Milk Bank and its sponsor, Prolacta Bioscience, are encouraging Utah mothers to donate excess milk to help save lives of premature babies in intensive care. “We continue to accelerate our efforts to feed more of the most at-risk infants” Click here to read more » Prematurity is the number one leading cause of death of newborns nationwide, and has increased 36 percent in the past 25 years, according to the March of Dimes. This month, Utah received a “C” grade from the March of Dimes for its 11.3 percent premature birth rate, only slightly lower than the national average of 12.2 percent. “We continue to accelerate our efforts to feed more of the most at-risk infants,” said Scott Elster, CEO of Prolacta Bioscience. “For mothers who want to help, we encourage them to either donate excess breast milk to the Helping Hands Milk Bank, or spread the word to others who can.” Nursing mothers may donate excess breast milk through Helping Hands for free and from the comfort of home. The milk is used by Prolacta to make potentially life-saving, human milk-based nutritional products for extremely premature infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Along with saving lives, a study in the journal Breastfeeding Medicine reports that Prolacta Human Milk Fortifier (HMF) reduces NICU healthcare costs by about $8,000 per patient among extremely premature infants. Helping Hands allows busy mothers to apply online in about 15 minutes and donate milk from the privacy and comfort of home. The virtual milk bank provides all necessary materials and covers the cost of shipping. Interested donors may learn more and apply at HelpingHandsBank.com. Additionally, Prolacta Bioscience contributes $1 for every ounce of qualified milk collected through Helping Hands to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Contributions from Prolacta to Komen for the Cure exceeded $100,000 in the past year. About Prolacta Bioscience Prolacta Bioscience, Inc. (www.prolacta.com) is a for-profit life science company dedicated to improving quality of life by Advancing the Science of Human Milk™. Prolacta creates specialty formulations made exclusively from human milk for the nutritional needs of critically ill premature infants in neonatal intensive care units. It is the first and only company to provide a human milk fortifier made from 100% human milk, Prolact+ H2MF. They operate a pharmaceutical grade processing plant and have designed and patented processes that enable them to make their one-of-a-kind life saving products. Prolacta is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the most vulnerable infants through world-class research and innovative products. Close Section » PROLACTA BIOSCIENCE® SECURES SERIES D FUNDING FROM HEALTH EVOLUTION PARTNERS -- New Members Added to Prolacta Board of Directors -- MONROVIA, Calif. --Prolacta Bioscience®, the first and only company to offer human milk fortifier (HMF) made from 100% human breast milk for critically ill, premature infants, has announced that they have secured Series D funding from Health Evolution Partners (HEP). HEP invests in rapidly growing companies that are commercial leaders in the healthcare industry. The funding will be used primarily to fund a second facility and to support growth of Prolacta’s sales organization. "We are delighted to be partnering with Prolacta. Scott Elster and his superior management team have consistently executed on their strategy." Click here to read more » “Prolacta is an exceptional, high-growth health care company. Its products are unique in how they address the unmet needs of high-acuity premature infants in the NICU setting,” said David Brailer, Chairman of Health Evolution Partners. “We are particularly excited to partner with a company that is helping improve outcomes for a vulnerable patient population and providing real savings in health care spending as well. The HEP Life Science team will work with Prolacta to realize its full potential and will also expand our investment activities in this sector.” Prolacta’s primary product is Prolact+ H2MF®, which is unique in that it is the only human milk fortifier made exclusively from human milk for extremely premature infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). The only other alternative to Prolact+ H2MF is human milk fortifier made from cow milk. Neonatologists prescribe Prolact+ H2MF for infants weighing two pounds 12 ounces (1250 grams) or less at birth. It is concentrated breast milk that is added to the mother’s breast milk or to donor milk (if a mother’s own milk is unavailable), in order to meet the precise protein and caloric needs of the preemie. Prolact+ H2MF can only be administered in a hospital setting and cannot be purchased directly by consumers. “Health Evolution Partners is a prominent group that has a track record of identifying and partnering with strong, growing companies in the healthcare industry,” said Scott Elster, CEO of Prolacta Bioscience. “Prolacta has a great future in helping preemies in the NICU, and we are proud that HEP will be working with us to continue that effort.” A recent cost effectiveness study published in the Journal of Breastfeeding Medicine concluded that a 100% human milk-based diet that included Prolact+ H2MF for extremely premature infants may result in a net savings of medical care resources by reducing the incidence of NEC, when compared with feeding these infants HMF produced from cow milk. In this same study, extremely premature infants fed an exclusively human milk diet including Prolact+ H2MF, had lower expected costs of hospitalization and medical care, resulting in net direct savings of $8,167.17 per infant fed this diet. “We are delighted to be partnering with Prolacta. Scott Elster and his superior management team have consistently executed on their strategy,” said Ned Brown, Investment Partner at Health Evolution Partners. “We look forward to working with the company to help accelerate their growth through our reimbursement, strategic, and operating resources, along with our industry, channel, and customer relationships. Together with them, and the existing group of experienced healthcare investors, we are excited about the prospects for Prolacta.” The considerable growth of NICUs using human milk-based products has largely been due to clinical data pointing to the benefits of exclusive human milk-based nutrition over cow milk-based nutrition for extremely premature infants. The Journal of Pediatrics published one of these studies in 2010. It concluded that when Prolact+ H2MF was added to human milk, the odds of developing the dangerous intestinal condition necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) was reduced by 77% in premature infants weighing between 500g and 1250g at birth, when compared to infants receiving human milk fortified with cow milk-based HMF, or compared to preterm infant formula when the supply or mother’s own milk was insufficient. Prolact+ H2MF is the only HMF that has been clinically proven to reduce the odds of developing NEC in infants born weighing between 500g and 1250g.1 Prolacta has also named Joshua Saipe and Ned Brown to their board of directors. Ned Brown is an Investment Partner for Health Evolution Partners, focusing on investments in the life sciences area, including medical devices and products, specialty pharmaceuticals and outsourcing services for the life sciences industry. Mr. Brown has been involved in the healthcare industry for over 25 years, as an investor, board member and advisor to a broad range of companies in all sectors of the industry. Prior to HEP, Mr. Brown served as managing director at TPG Biotech. He was also co-founder and Managing Director of Healthcare Investment Partners, and previously served as a Managing Director and head of the west coast Healthcare Group for Credit Suisse. Joshua Saipe is Vice President of Health Evolution Partners' Growth Fund. He also focuses on the firm’s investments in the life sciences sector. Prior to HEP, Mr. Saipe served as a Vice President at RoundTable Healthcare Partners where he focused on principal investing in middle market healthcare companies predominantly in the medical technology, pharmaceutical, and drug delivery sectors. Previously, he served with J.P. Morgan Securities in the firm’s Financial Sponsor Group. About Prolacta Prolacta Bioscience, Inc. (www.prolacta.com) is a life science company dedicated to improving quality of life by Advancing the Science of Human MilkTM. Prolacta creates specialty formulations made exclusively from human milk for the nutritional needs of critically ill, premature infants in neonatal intensive care units. It is the first and only company to provide a human milk fortifier made from 100% human milk, Prolact+ H2MF. They operate a pharmaceutical grade processing plant and have designed and patented processes that enable them to make their one-of-a-kind life saving products. Prolacta is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the most vulnerable infants through world-class research and innovative products. 1Sullivan S, Schanler RJ, Kim JH et al. An exclusively human milk-based diet is associated with a lower rate of necrotizing enterocolitis than a diet of human milk and bovine milk based products. J Pediatr. 2009:156(4):562-567. Close Section » EXCLUSIVE BREAST MILK-BASED NUTRITION FOR PREMATURE INFANTS ON THE RISE, REPORTS PROLACTA BIOSCIENCE® -- Prematurity Awareness Month Marked by Growing Use of Human Milk-Based Products in Neonatal Intensive Care Units -- MONROVIA, Calif. --Marking the first day of National Prematurity Awareness Month, Prolacta Bioscience® is reporting growing use of their human milk-based products in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) across the country. Prolacta is the only company to make a human milk fortifier (HMF) from human milk, as opposed to cow milk, for critically ill, premature infants in the NICU. Some hospitals using Prolacta’s Prolact+ H2MF® include Good Samaritan in San Jose, California, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, Florida and River Oaks Hospital in Flowood, Mississippi. "Our neonatologists made the early decision based on clear evidence of the beneficial effects of breast milk over cow milk products in preterm infants." Click here to read more » Neonatologists prescribe the breast milk-based fortifier Prolact+ H2MF to extremely premature infants (those weighing two pounds 12 ounces or 1250 grams or less at birth). It is concentrated breast milk that is added to the mother’s breast milk or to donor milk (if a mother’s own milk is unavailable), in order to provide precise protein and caloric needs of the preemie. Prolact+ H2MF can only be administered in a hospital setting and cannot be purchased directly by consumers. "River Oaks Hospital is proud to offer a human milk fortifier for extremely premature infants, made exclusively from human milk," said Dennis R. Bruns, President and CEO of River Oaks Hospital in Flowood, Mississippi. "It supports clinical findings that have been released over the past few years, pointing to the health benefits of human milk-based nutrition as opposed to cow-milk based nutrition." According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than a half million babies in the United States (one in eight) are born premature each year.1 Prematurity occurs in infants who are born at less than 37 weeks of gestation, and it is the leading cause of death among newborn babies. Some preemies require special care and spend weeks or months hospitalized in a NICU before they are able to go home to their families. Good Samaritan Hospital was the first NICU in Northern California to begin using Prolacta’s human milk products in July 2010. NICU physicians there implemented a protocol for all premature infants born weighing less than 1000g, to receive exclusively human milk for the first 60 days of life. This included mother’s own milk, donor human milk and human milk fortifier made by Prolacta. “Our neonatologists made the early decision based on clear evidence of the beneficial effects of breast milk over cow milk products in preterm infants,” said Dr. Richard Powers, NICU medical director at Good Samaritan Hospital San Jose. “Clinical data on the effect of human milk fortified with Prolacta’s fortifier shows improved outcomes of extremely low birth weight premature infants, and this has proven true in our NICU, where we have seen improved early nutrition and a decreased incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis, a life-threatening inflammatory complication of premature infants.” The considerable growth of NICUs using human milk-based products has largely been due to clinical data pointing to the benefits of exclusive human milk nutrition over cow milk-based nutrition for very low birth weight infants. The Journal of Pediatrics published one of these studies in 2010. It concluded that when Prolact+ H2MF was added to human milk, the odds of developing the dangerous intestinal condition necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) was reduced by 77% in premature infants weighing between 500g and 1250g at birth, when compared to infants receiving human milk fortified with cow milk-based HMF, or compared to preterm infant formula when the supply or mother’s own milk was insufficient. Prolact+ H2MF is the only HMF that has been clinically proven to reduce the odds of developing NEC in infants born weighing between 500g and 1250g. “The growing use of human milk-based nutrition for the most fragile preemies in the hospital is directly correlated with positive clinical results,” said Scott Elster, CEO of Prolacta Bioscience. “As more hospitals are adopting the use of Prolacta’s human milk-based fortifier for extremely premature infants in their NICUs, they are witnessing better outcomes.” Johns Hopkins Hospital also released a recent study showing that extremely premature infants fed human donor milk (including human milk-based fortifier) are less likely to develop NEC, than babies fed preterm infant formula derived from cow milk. The study was the first of its kind to compare the risk of developing NEC and requiring NEC surgery among premature infants on an exclusively human milk diet versus those fed preterm infant formula derived from cow milk (and did not receive human milk, regardless of the source). Additionally, a cost effectiveness study concluded that a 100% human milk-based diet that included Prolact+ H2MF for extremely premature infants may result in a net savings of medical care resources by reducing the incidence of NEC, when compared with feeding these infants HMF produced from cow milk. In this same study, extremely premature infants fed an exclusively human milk diet including Prolact+ H2MF, had lower expected costs of hospitalization and medical care, resulting in net direct savings of $8,167.17 per infant fed this diet. About Prolacta Bioscience Prolacta Bioscience, Inc. www.prolacta.com is a life science company dedicated to improving quality of life by Advancing the Science of Human Milk™. Prolacta creates specialty formulations made exclusively from human milk for the nutritional needs of critically ill, premature infants in neonatal intensive care units. It is the first and only company to provide a human milk fortifier made from 100% human milk, Prolact+ H2MF. They operate a pharmaceutical grade processing plant and have designed and patented processes that enable them to make their one-of-a-kind life saving products. Prolacta is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the most vulnerable infants through world-class research and innovative products. 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2010). Premature Birth. In 2010 CDC Features. Retrieved October 26, 2011, from http://www.cdc.gov/Features/PrematureBirth Close Section » DONATIONS TO SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE® FROM PROLACTA BIOSCIENCE SURPASS $100,000 IN ONE YEAR MONROVIA, Calif. --Prolacta Bioscience®, the first and only company to offer human milk fortifier (HMF) made from 100% human breast milk for critically ill, premature infants, has announced that their donations to Susan G. Komen for the Cure have surpassed $100,000 since October 2010. The most current donation for breast milk collected through Helping Hands Milk Bank (HHMB) in the third quarter of 2011 exceeded $41,000. Click here to read more » Breast milk that is donated through HHMB is used by Prolacta to make human milk-based nutritional products for critically ill, premature infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Premature babies have increased nutritional needs above what can be provided by their mother’s milk or donor milk alone, so the breast milk that is fed to them needs to be fortified with added nutrients. Prolacta’s Prolact+ H2MF® is the first and only commercially available HMF made from 100% human milk for premature infants in the NICU who are born weighing between 500 and 1250g. Prior to Prolact+ H2MF, cow milk-based HMF was the only option neonatologists had for premature infants in the NICU. A 2010 study published in the Journal of Pediatrics concluded that when Prolact+ H2MF was added to human milk, the odds of developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) was reduced by 77% in premature infants weighing between 500 and 1250g at birth, when compared to infants receiving human milk fortified with cow milk-based HMF or, when supply or mother's own milk was insufficient, preterm infant formula. NEC is a dangerous intestinal condition that often affects extremely preterm infants, in which the intestinal tissue disintegrates1 (http://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(09)01085-3/abstract). Additionally, a Johns Hopkins Children’s Center study recently showed that extremely premature babies fed human donor milk are less likely to develop NEC, than babies fed a standard premature formula (often referred to as preterm infant formula) derived from cow milk. The study was the first of its kind to compare the risk of developing NEC and requiring NEC surgery among premature infants on an exclusively human milk diet versus those fed preterm infant formula derived from cow milk (http://www.hopkinschildrens.org/Human-Donor-Milk-Lower-Risk-for-Premature-Babies.aspx). As part of the agreement between the two organizations, Prolacta donates one dollar to Susan G. Komen, for every ounce of qualified breast milk collected through HHMB. The original agreement between Prolacta and Komen called for a minimum annual contribution of $25,000 to support the fight against breast cancer. This agreement between the two organizations was renewed to extend through April 30, 2012 with another minimum commitment of $25,000. The correlation between breastfeeding and a reduced risk of breast cancer in women created a natural synergy for Prolacta and Komen to partner. Prolacta’s donations help Komen fund innovative research and life-saving community outreach projects. Komen is the boldest community fueling the best science and making the biggest impact in the fight against breast cancer. About Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer. Today, Susan G. Komen for the Cure works to end breast cancer in the U.S. and throughout the world through ground-breaking research, community health outreach, advocacy and programs in more than 50 countries with a special focus on low-resource and developing nations. Visit komen.org. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. About Prolacta Prolacta Bioscience, Inc. (www.prolacta.com) is a life science company dedicated to improving quality of life by Advancing the Science of Human MilkTM. Prolacta creates specialty formulations made exclusively from human milk for the nutritional needs of critically ill, premature infants in neonatal intensive care units. It is the first and only company to provide a human milk fortifier made from 100% human milk, Prolact+ H2MF. They operate a pharmaceutical grade processing plant and have designed and patented processes that enable them to make their one-of-a-kind life saving products. Prolacta is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the most vulnerable infants through world-class research and innovative products. 1Sullivan S, Schanler RJ, Kim JH et al. An exclusively human milk-based diet is associated with a lower rate of necrotizing enterocolitis than a diet of human milk and bovine milk based products. J Pediatr. 2009:156(4):562-567. Close Section » NATIONAL MILK BANK BECOMES AFFILIATE TO PROLACTA BIOSCIENCE MONROVIA, Calif. - Prolacta Bioscience®, the first and only company to offer human milk fortifier (HMF) made from 100% human breast milk for critically ill, premature infants, has announced an agreement to establish National Milk Bank as a Prolacta affiliate milk bank partner. Prolacta received its first shipment of milk from National Milk Bank on August 3rd under a non-exclusive agreement and enters into an exclusive agreement that ensures all milk collected through National Milk Bank will be sent to Prolacta for their human milk formulations beginning Sept 22, 2011. “National Milk Bank was previously an affiliate of Prolacta from 2006 through 2009, and we look forward to working with them again.” Click here to read more » Under the terms of the agreement, National Milk Bank will recruit potential breast milk donors for Prolacta. Once mothers are identified, Prolacta will qualify the donors and obtain medical confirmations for both the mother and baby. Prolacta will also be responsible for collecting, testing, and processing the donor milk. All qualified milk will be used to make human milk-based nutritional products for hospitalized, critically ill, premature babies who are in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The manufacturing process can be seen at YouTube. Prolacta’s primary product, Prolact+ H2MF™, is the only Human Milk Fortifier (HMF) made from 100% human milk, and is prescribed by neonatologists for infants weighing 2 pounds 12 ounces or less at birth. Prolact+ H2MF™ can only be used in a hospital setting and cannot be purchased directly by consumers. In order to increase the protein and other caloric needs of the baby, Prolact+ H2MF™ is added to the mother’s breast milk or to donor milk, if a mother’s own milk is unavailable. This feeding solution has proven to have several clinical benefits, and provides an exclusively human milk diet for the fragile infant. "The heart of the National Milk Bank has always been for the benefit of critically ill, premature infants in the NICU,” said Stacy Brown and Kim Henson, founders of the National Milk Bank. “We look forward to partnering with Prolacta Bioscience to provide an avenue for generous moms to donate their breast milk that blesses the precious babies and their families." Recent studies underscore the importance of human milk-based nutrition for premature infants in the NICU. A groundbreaking study published by the Journal of Pediatrics in 2010 concluded that when Prolact+ H2MF was added to human milk, the odds of developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) was reduced by 77% in premature infants weighing between 500 and 1250g at birth, when compared to infants receiving human milk fortified with cow milk-based HMF, or compared to preterm infant formula when supply of mother’s own milk was insufficient. More information regarding this study can be found at http://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(09)01085-3/abstract. In addition, earlier this year Johns Hopkins Children’s Center released study results which showed that extremely premature babies fed human donor milk are less likely to develop the dangerous intestinal condition NEC, compared to babies fed a standard premature formula (often referred as preterm infant formula) derived from cow's milk. The study was the first of its kind to compare the risk of developing NEC and requiring NEC surgery among premature infants on an exclusively human milk diet versus those fed preterm infant formula derived from cow’s milk. Further information regarding the study can be found at http://www.hopkinschildrens.org/Human-Donor-Milk-Lower-Risk-for-Premature-Babies.aspx. “National Milk Bank’s longstanding relationship with breast milk donor mothers in the community will result in increased nutritional support that has been clinically proven to make an impact in the quality of life for preemies in the NICU,” said Joe Fournell, vice president of operations at Prolacta Bioscience. “National Milk Bank was previously an affiliate of Prolacta from 2006 through 2009, and we look forward to working with them again.” Milk banks affiliated or operated by Prolacta collect milk from moms who have a surplus of breast milk. To see a list of Prolacta operated milk banks and affiliate milk banks, please visit http://www.prolacta.com/findamilkbank.php. CONTACTS: for Prolacta Bioscience, Inc. Loren Kosmont 310-721-9444 loren@pstrategies.net About Prolacta Bioscience Prolacta Bioscience, Inc. (www.prolacta.com) is a life science company dedicated to improving quality of life by Advancing the Science of Human Milk™. Prolacta creates specialty formulations made exclusively from human milk for the nutritional needs of critically ill premature infants in neonatal intensive care units. It is the first and only company to provide a human milk fortifier made from 100% human milk, Prolact+ H2MF™. They operate a pharmaceutical grade processing plant and have designed and patented processes that enable them to make their one-of-a-kind life saving products. Prolacta is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the most vulnerable infants through world-class research and innovative products. Close Section » HELPING HANDS MILK BANK REACHES OUT TO UTAH MOMS -- Breast Milk Donors Assist Premature Infants in Neonatal Intensive Care & Fund Fight Against Utah’s Rising Breast Cancer Rate SALT LAKE CITY --Prolacta Bioscience®, the first and only company to offer a Human Milk Fortifier (HMF) made from 100 percent human breast milk for critically ill premature infants, is expanding its Utah donor outreach through their Helping Hands Milk Bank (Helping Hands). Utah’s nursing mothers may choose to donate excess breast milk through Helping Hands, to be used to make life-saving, human milk-based nutritional products for extremely premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Click here to read more » “Helping Hands Milk Bank depends on the generosity of healthy donors who produce more milk than their own infants use”“Helping Hands Milk Bank depends on the generosity of healthy donors who produce more milk than their own infants use,” said Scott Elster, CEO of Prolacta Bioscience. “Utah has a high breastfeeding rate, which makes it an ideal place to spread awareness about the opportunity to donate breast milk.” Utah is often recognized for its healthy population. For example, Utah women have among the lowest rates of death from cancer, particularly colorectal and lung cancer, as well as coronary heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. Low percentages of Utah women smoke, have high blood pressure, are obese, or binge drink1. This increases the percentage of donor applicants likely to pass Helping Hands’ thorough prequalification process. Helping Hands is one of the first virtual milk banks. While some women have access to a limited number of regional milk banks, Helping Hands allows busy mothers to apply online in about 15 minutes and donate milk from the privacy and comfort of home. Helping Hands provides all necessary materials and covers the cost of shipping. The application process (about 2 weeks) requires no donor travel and ensures that mother and infant health come first. Interested donors may learn more and apply at HelpingHandsBank.com. Despite the overall health of Utah women, the state’s breast cancer rates are on the rise.1 As a result of the correlation2 between breastfeeding and a reduced risk of breast cancer in women, Prolacta Bioscience contributes $1 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® for every ounce of qualified milk collected through Helping Hands. Contributions from Prolacta to Komen for the Cure exceeded $75,000 in the past year. About Prolacta Bioscience Prolacta Bioscience, Inc. (www.prolacta.com) is a for-profit life science company dedicated to improving quality of life by Advancing the Science of Human Milk™. Prolacta creates specialty formulations made exclusively from human milk for the nutritional needs of critically ill premature infants in neonatal intensive care units. It is the first and only company to provide a human milk fortifier made from 100% human milk, Prolact+ H2MF. They operate a pharmaceutical grade processing plant and have designed and patented processes that enable them to make their one-of-a-kind life saving products. Prolacta is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the most vulnerable infants through world-class research and innovative products. 1 Sources: U.S. Dept of Health & Human Services; CDC http://www.healthstatus2010.com/owh/chartbook/images/StateProfiles_Chartbook_2011Edition.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/healthywomen/womenschartbook_aug2004.pdf 2 Source: Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer. Lancet. 2002 Jul 20;360(9328):1 Close Section » US-BASED INTERNATIONAL BREAST MILK PROJECT DONATES BREAST MILK TO SICK AND ORPHANED CHILDREN IN SOUTH AFRICA -- Vulnerable premature babies will have access to life saving donor milk -- NEW YORK, Aug. 10, 2011 - In a major humanitarian effort, the US-based International Breast Milk Project (IBMP), Quick International Courier and Prolacta Bioscience® carried and delivered 5,000 ounces of donor breast milk from Monrovia, California to Cape Town, South Africa, today. The shipment, the fifth so far to Cape Town, and the first of two this year, will be given to premature, sick and orphaned infants who typically weigh less than three pounds and receive roughly one ounce of milk per day. Click here to read more » While underscoring the importance of breastfeeding, the Cape Town-based non-profit, Milk Matters, distributes donor breast milk to over 23 major hospitals in the province, helping save the lives of premature babies. Commending the efforts of milk banking and distribution, Dr Alan Horn of the Groote Shuur Hospital in Cape Town, said, "I firmly believe that the practice of milk banking is still in its infancy, globally and especially in South Africa. Donating breast milk is an act that involves the least pain and the most gain, compared to any other human tissue or organ donation. It is potentially life-saving and is worth more than equipment or staff." Amanda Nickerson, Executive Director of IBMP, states that one-third of women age 25-29 in South Africa are living with HIV. Hence, there are fewer donors in the area eligible to offer breast milk through a local donor bank. The IBMP is a novel initiative with few partners that can produce and ship large quantities of donor breast milk to developing nations. "We are so thankful to the mothers who donated their milk to make this shipment possible. We are already collecting milk for our next shipment which will be later this year," says Nickerson. Quick International Courier, a global medical transportation and logistics specialist, donated their services to provide the fastest and most secure cold chain transportation services from Monrovia, California to South Africa. Prolacta Bioscience, a life science company, that creates specialty formulations made exclusively from human milk for the nutritional needs of critically ill premature infants, partners with International Breast Milk Project by processing and packaging the donated breast milk to ensure its quality and safety. International Breast Milk Project is the only organization in the world to provide large provisions of donor breast milk to infants suffering from HIV/AIDS, malnourishment, poverty and disease in Africa. As of this year, IBMP has provided over 267,682 ounces, or 66,920 bottles, of life-giving donor breast milk to infants in South Africa. CONTACTS: Amanda Nickerson, Amanda@breastmilkproject.org Tel: 786.837.3082 Nosh Nalavala, Mediaglobal News, United Nations, nosh.nalavala@mediaglobal.org Tel: 609.529.6129 SOURCE International Breast Milk Project About Prolacta Bioscience Prolacta Bioscience, Inc. (www.prolacta.com) is a life science company dedicated to improving quality of life by Advancing the Science of Human Milk™. Prolacta creates specialty formulations made exclusively from human milk for the nutritional needs of critically ill premature infants in neonatal intensive care units. It is the first and only company to provide a human milk fortifier made from 100% human milk, Prolact+ H2MF. They operate a pharmaceutical grade processing plant and have designed and patented processes that enable them to make their one-of-a-kind life saving products. Prolacta is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the most vulnerable infants through world-class research and innovative products. Close Section » STUDY SHOWS HOSPITAL COST SAVINGS LINKED TO EXCLUSIVELY HUMAN MILK-BASED FORTIFICATION IN EXTREMELY PREMATURE INFANTS Click here to read more » For the average NICU, this means that in addition to the health benefits of using exclusively human milk-based nutrition for extremely premature infants, there is also a significant cost savings. Extremely premature infants, as defined in the study, are those born at 28 weeks gestation or less. NEC is a dangerous and severe complication that often affects extremely preterm infants, in which the intestinal tissue disintegrates. NEC requires surgical intervention to remove the dead portions of the intestines in 20% - 40% of the cases. The fatality rate of NEC surgery is as high as 50%.1 The study showed the adjusted incremental costs of medical NEC and surgical NEC over and above the average costs incurred for extremely premature infants without NEC in 2011 were $74,004 and $198,040 per infant, respectively. Extremely premature infants fed an exclusively human milk diet including the only human milk-based HMF, Prolact+ H2MF®, had lower expected costs of hospitalization, resulting in net direct savings of $8,167.17 per infant. The study also found that extremely premature infants who were not diagnosed with NEC spent approximately 3.9 fewer days in the NICU than infants who were diagnosed. The study was led by Dr. Joel Hay with the department of clinical pharmacy & pharmaceutical economics & policy, from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California. "We conservatively estimate that the U.S. medical cost savings could be over $200 million annually and that hundreds of additional lives could also be saved each year," said Dr. Hay. "Human milk-based fortification for extremely premature infants could potentially generate substantial net savings for Medicaid and other health care payers on medical care resources by preventing NEC." Prolacta Bioscience is the only company to provide a 100% human milk-based HMF for critically ill, premature infants in the NICU. Prolact+ H2MF® is the only liquid HMF that has been clinically proven to reduce the odds of developing NEC in infants born weighing between 500g and 1250g.2 The objective of the study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a 100% human milk-based diet composed of mother's milk fortified with a human milk-based HMF versus the standard of care. For the past few decades, the standard of care has been to use cow milk-based HMF for extremely premature infants in the NICU. Other studies pointing to the benefits of exclusively human milk-based diets for premature infants in the NICU born weighing less than 1250 grams include a 2010 study published in the Journal of Pediatrics http://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(09)01085-3/abstract, and a 2011 study announced by Johns Hopkins http://www.hopkinschildrens.org/Human-Donor-Milk-Lower-Risk-for-Premature-Babies.aspx. About Prolacta Bioscience Prolacta Bioscience, Inc. (www.prolacta.com) is a life science company dedicated to improving quality of life by Advancing the Science of Human Milk™. Prolacta creates specialty formulations made exclusively from human milk for the nutritional needs of critically ill premature infants in neonatal intensive care units. It is the first and only company to provide a human milk fortifier made from 100% human milk, Prolact+ H2MF. They operate a pharmaceutical grade processing plant and have designed and patented processes that enable them to make their one-of-a-kind life saving products. Prolacta is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the most vulnerable infants through world-class research and innovative products. 1Schnabl KL, et al. Nectrotizing Enterocolitis: A multifactorial disease with no cure. World J Gastroenterol. 2008; 14(14): 2142-2161. 2Sullivan S, Schanler RJ, Kim JH et al. An exclusively human milk-based diet is associated with a lower rate of necrotizing enterocolitis than a diet of human milk and bovine milk based products. J Pediatr. 2009:156(4):562-567. Close Section » DONATIONS TO SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE FROM PROLACTA BIOSCIENCE APPROACH $75,000 IN ONE YEAR MONROVIA, Calif. Jul. 20, 2011 - Prolacta Bioscience, the first and only company to offer Human Milk Fortifier (HMF) made from 100% human breast milk for critically ill premature infants, has announced an additional financial donation of over $38,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for breast milk collected through Helping Hands Milk Bank (HHMB) in the past three months. This brings the contributions to Komen for the Cure to nearly $75,000 from Prolacta in the past 12 months. Click here to read more » As part of the agreement between the two organizations, Prolacta donates one dollar to Komen, per every ounce of qualified breast milk collected through HHMB. Breast milk that is donated through HHMB is used to make human milk-based nutritional products for critically ill, premature infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Premature babies have increased nutritional needs above what can be provided by their mother's milk or donor milk alone, so the breast milk that is fed to them needs to be fortified with added nutrients. Prolacta's Prolact+ H2MF® is the first and only commercially available human milk fortifier made from 100% human milk for premature infants in the NICU born weighing 1250 grams or less at birth. The original agreement between Prolacta and Komen called for a minimum annual contribution of $25,000 to support the fight against breast cancer. This agreement between the two organizations was recently renewed to extend through April 30, 2012 with another minimum commitment of $25,000. Due to the increased awareness of breast milk benefits for premature infants in the NICU, and the resulting generosity of breast milk donors, Prolacta expects to exceed $100,000 in annual contributions to Komen in the coming year. The correlation between breastfeeding and a reduced risk of breast cancer in women created a natural synergy for Prolacta and Komen to partner. Prolacta's donations help Komen fund innovative research and life-saving community outreach projects. Komen is the boldest community fueling the best science and making the biggest impact in the fight against breast cancer. The current standard practice in the NICU uses cow milk-based products for human milk fortification. A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics has demonstrated that for very low-birth-weight preterm infants in the NICU, born weighing less than 1250 grams at birth, a completely human breast milk-based diet decreases the incidence of the dangerous intestinal condition necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and surgeries related to NEC, which can be life-threatening1 (http://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(09)01085-3/abstract). Additionally, a Johns Hopkins Children's Center study recently showed that extremely premature babies fed human donor milk are less likely to develop NEC, than babies fed a standard premature formula (often referred to as preterm infant formula) derived from cow's milk. The study was the first of its kind to compare the risk of developing NEC and requiring NEC surgery among premature infants on an exclusively human milk diet versus those fed preterm infant formula derived from cow's milk (http://www.hopkinschildrens.org/Human-Donor-Milk-Lower-Risk-for-Premature-Babies.aspx). About Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which is now the world's largest breast cancer organization and the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer with more than $1.9 billion invested to date. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. About Prolacta Bioscience Prolacta Bioscience, Inc. (www.prolacta.com) is a life science company dedicated to improving quality of life by Advancing the Science of Human Milk™. Prolacta creates specialty formulations made exclusively from human milk for the nutritional needs of critically ill premature infants in neonatal intensive care units. It is the first and only company to provide a human milk fortifier made from 100% human milk, Prolact+ H2MF. They operate a pharmaceutical grade processing plant and have designed and patented processes that enable them to make their one-of-a-kind life saving products. Prolacta is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the most vulnerable infants through world-class research and innovative products. 1Sullivan S, Schanler RJ, Kim JH et al. An exclusively human milk-based diet is associated with a lower rate of necrotizing enterocolitis than a diet of human milk and bovine milk based products. J Pediatr. 2009:156(4):562-567. Close Section » PROLACTA BIOSCIENCE® APPLAUDS JOHNS HOPKINS RESEARCH REINFORCING BENEFITS OF HUMAN MILK OVER FORMULA FOR EXTREMELY PREMATURE INFANTS MONROVIA, Calif. Jun 1, 2011 - Prolacta applauds the latest research announced by Johns Hopkins Children's Center, which showed that extremely premature babies fed human donor milk are less likely to develop the dangerous intestinal condition necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), than babies fed a standard premature formula (often referred as preterm infant formula) derived from cow's milk. The study was the first of its kind to compare the risk of developing NEC and requiring NEC surgery among premature infants on an exclusively human milk diet versus those fed preterm infant formula derived from cow's milk. Click here to read more » Necrotizing enterocolitis is a dangerous intestinal condition marked by tissue damage to the baby's bowel. Oftentimes, surgery is required to remove the dead portions of the intestines, which in some cases can lead to death. These recent findings by Johns Hopkins confirm the importance of Prolacta Bioscience's products, all of which are human milk-based, and made specifically for critically ill, premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). On the forefront of these products is the only human milk-based, human milk fortifier (HMF), Prolact+ H2MF®, which is also the only liquid HMF clinically proven to reduce the odds of developing NEC.1 In early 2010, the Journal of Pediatrics published a groundbreaking study that concluded when Prolact+ H2MF was added to human milk, the odds of developing NEC was reduced by 77% in premature infants weighing between 500 and 1250g at birth, when compared to infants receiving human milk fortified with cow's milk-based HMF or, when supply or mother's own milk was insufficient, preterm infant formula. Currently, the only HMF product available to NICUs that meet the specifications of these clinical findings is Prolact+ H2MF, which is only available in liquid form. More information regarding this study can be found at http://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(09)01085-3/abstract. "While the benefits of human milk are well known, this clinical evidence illustrating the contrasting outcomes of babies developing NEC are too powerful to ignore," said Scott Elster, CEO of Prolacta Bioscience. "This reinforces the move toward an exclusively human milk-based diet for extremely premature infants in the NICU." The Johns Hopkins study was noted to be the first trial of its kind to compare the risk for NEC and NEC surgery between premature infants fed human donor milk and those fed preterm baby formula. These findings support the call by infant healthcare advocates for an exclusively human milk-based diet for extremely premature babies. Further information regarding the study can be found at http://www.hopkinschildrens.org/Human-Donor-Milk-Lower-Risk-for-Premature-Babies.aspx. The Johns Hopkins Children's Center research was funded in part by the National Institutes of Health. The study also received funding from Prolacta Bioscience, a manufacturer of human milk nutrition for premature babies. Study co-authors David Rechtman and Martin Lee are employed by Prolacta Bioscience. They are not associated with Johns Hopkins. These study results should not be interpreted as a product endorsement from Johns Hopkins Children's Center. About Prolacta Bioscience Prolacta Bioscience, Inc. (www.prolacta.com) is a life science company dedicated to improving quality of life by Advancing the Science of Human Milk™. Prolacta creates specialty formulations made exclusively from human milk for the nutritional needs of critically ill premature infants in neonatal intensive care units. It is the first and only company to provide a human milk fortifier made from 100% human milk, Prolact+ H2MF. They operate a pharmaceutical grade processing plant and have designed and patented processes that enable them to make their one-of-a-kind life saving products. Prolacta is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the most vulnerable infants through world-class research and innovative products. 1Sullivan S, Schanler RJ, Kim JH et al. An exclusively human milk-based diet is associated with a lower rate of necrotizing enterocolitis than a diet of human milk and bovine milk based products. J Pediatr. 2009:156(4):562-567. Close Section » PROLACTA BIOSCIENCE® CONTINUES STEADY DONATIONS TO SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE® MONROVIA, Calif. May 3rd, 2011 - Prolacta Bioscience (Prolacta), the first and only company to offer human milk fortifier (HMF) made from 100% human breast milk for critically ill, premature infants, has announced financial donations of $22,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® for breast milk collected in the first quarter of 2011. Click here to read more » As part of the agreement between the two organizations, Prolacta donates one dollar to Komen for the Cure, per every ounce of qualified breast milk collected through the Helping Hands Milk Bank (Helping Hands). Donated milk from Helping Hands is used to make human milk-based products for infants in neonatal intensive care units. Prolacta's Prolact+ H2MF® is the first and only commercially available human milk fortifier made from 100% human breast milk for premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) born weighing less than 1250 grams at birth. This contribution exceeds the prior $15,000 in donations made to Komen by Prolacta for milk collected in the first six months of their partnership. In the brief nine months of their agreement, total contributions have been $37,000 and the two organizations have now agreed to extend their agreement to April 30, 2012 with an annual commitment of $25,000. Prolacta's donations help Komen fund innovative research and life-saving community outreach projects. Komen is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. The correlation between breastfeeding and a reduced risk of breast cancer in women created a natural synergy for Prolacta and Komen to partner. "We are thrilled that our contributions have already exceeded our annual commitment to Komen," said Scott Elster, CEO of Prolacta. "We look forward to our renewed agreement, since every dollar we contribute to Komen means that we are helping premature infants in the NICU, and we are also supporting the fight against breast cancer." The current standard practice in the NICU uses cow's milk-based products for human milk fortification. A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics has demonstrated that for very low-birth-weight preterm infants in the NICU, born weighing less than 1250 grams at birth, a completely human breast milk diet decreases the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and surgeries related to NEC, which can be life-threatening.1 1Sullivan S, Schanler RJ, Kim JH et al. An exclusively human milk-based diet is associated with a lower rate of necrotizing enterocolitis than a diet of human milk and bovine milk based products. J Pediatr. 2009:156(4):562-567. About Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which is now the world's largest breast cancer organization and the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer with more than $1.9 billion invested to date. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. About Prolacta Prolacta Bioscience, Inc. (www.prolacta.com) is a life science company dedicated to improving quality of life by Advancing the Science of Human Milk™. Prolacta creates specialty formulations made exclusively from human milk for the nutritional needs of critically ill premature infants in neonatal intensive care units. It is the first and only company to provide a human milk fortifier made from 100% human milk, Prolact+ H2MF™. They operate a pharmaceutical grade processing plant and have designed and patented processes that enable them to make their one-of-a-kind life saving products. Prolacta is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the most vulnerable infants through world-class research and innovative products. Close Section » FORMULA-FED PREEMIES AT HIGHER RISK FOR DANGEROUS GI CONDITION THAN BABIES WHO GET DONOR MILK Johns Hopkins Children's Center April 30th, 2011 - News tips from the 2011 Annual Meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies, April 30-May 3, Denver, Colo. Click here to read more » Media Contact: Ekaterina Pesheva epeshev1@jhmi.edu 410-502-9433 Extremely premature babies fed human donor milk are less likely to develop the dangerous intestinal condition necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) than babies fed a standard premature infant formula derived from cow's milk, according to research by investigators at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center and elsewhere. Only one of the 29 infants who received human milk developed NEC and it recovered without surgery, compared with five out of the 24 babies on formula, four of whom required surgery. The findings, the researchers said, justify a move toward a "human milk only" diet in extremely premature babies -- those born weighing less than 1,500 grams, or 3.3 pounds. "The stark differences in the risk of NEC, its complications and the need for surgery between babies who receive human donor milk and those who get formula signal the need for a change in feeding practices across neonatal intensive care units," said lead investigator Elizabeth Cristofalo, M.D., a neonatologist at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center. Moreover, babies who got human milk tolerated feeding better, allowing them to be taken off supplemental IV nutrition much sooner -- after 27 days on average -- than the group who received cow's milk formula. Those babies spent an average of 36 days on IV nutrition, largely because their intestinal tracts were not adapting to food as well, the researchers say. IV nutrition, used temporarily in all premature babies to supplement feeding, carries risks, the most serious of which is liver damage. "Although we didn't look specifically at liver function, we know from experience and from previous research that prolonged IV nutrition can harm a premature baby's liver," Cristofalo said. "Using human milk cuts that risk by allowing us to wean babies off IV nutrition sooner." The health advantages of mother's milk have been well-established, but some concerns about donor milk have lingered, including how it compares to mother's milk and whether it is, indeed, superior to cow milk formula. The new findings should resolve any residual doubts about the risks and clarify the benefits of human donor milk, the investigators said. The multi-center study is the first trial of its kind to compare the risk for NEC and NEC surgery between premature infants fed human donor milk and those fed preterm baby formula. An earlier study by the same team showed that babies who get their own mother's milk fortified with the standard cow milk protein are more prone to NEC than babies given a combination of their mothers' milk fortified with human donor milk. Necrotizing enterocolitis is marked by tissue damage to the baby's bowel. Because up to 40 percent of babies who develop NEC die, the condition is considered an emergency. Some cases of NEC can be treated with antibiotics and by temporarily withholding of food, but some babies require surgery to remove the dead portions of the intestines. The remaining intestine, however, can develop scarring that leads to poor absorption of nutrients, growth problems and the need for more surgery down the road. Other hospitals participating in the study included Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York, the University of Texas, the University of Florida-Gainesville, Innsbruck Medical University in Austria, Baylor College of Medicine and Children's Hospital and Research Center, Oakland, Calif. The research was funded in part by the National Institutes of Health. The study also received funding from Prolacta Bioscience, a manufacturer of human milk nutrition for premature babies. Study co authors David Rechtman and Martin Lee are employed by Prolacta Bioscience. They are not associated with Johns Hopkins. Close Section » PROLACTA BIOSCIENCE® ANNOUNCES DONATIONS TO SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE® MONROVIA, Calif. Jan. 26, 2011 -- Prolacta Bioscience (Prolacta), the first and only company to offer human milk fortifier (HMF) made from 100% human breast milk for premature and critically ill infants, has announced financial donations of $15,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® (Komen), in support of the fight against breast cancer. The first contribution of $5,000 was made in October 2010, and a second contribution of $10,000 was made this past week. Click here to read more » The donations are part of a May 2010 agreement under which Prolacta would donate one dollar to Komen, per every ounce of qualified breast milk collected through the Helping Hands Milk Bank (Helping Hands). Donated milk from Helping Hands is used to make human milk-based products for infants in neonatal intensive care units. Prolacta's Prolact+ H2MF™ is the first and only commercially available human milk fortifier made from 100% human breast milk for premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) born weighing less than 1250 grams at birth. Prolacta's annual commitment to Komen is $25,000, which will help Komen fund ground-breaking research and life-saving community outreach projects. Komen is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. The correlation between breastfeeding and a reduced risk of breast cancer in women created a natural synergy for Prolacta and Komen to partner. "With every ounce of milk donated, we are helping save lives of critically ill infants in the NICU," said Scott Elster, CEO of Prolacta. "Additionally, with every ounce donated, and every dollar we donate to Komen, we are supporting the ongoing yet promising fight against breast cancer. We hope that this partnership also highlights the link between breastfeeding and a reduced risk of breast cancer in women." The current standard practice in the NICU uses cow milk-based products for human milk fortification. A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics has demonstrated that for very low-birth-weight preterm infants in the NICU, born weighing less than 1250 grams at birth, a completely human breast milk diet decreases the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and surgeries related to NEC, which can be life-threatening. About Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which is now the world's largest breast cancer organization and the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer with more than $1.9 billion invested to date. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. About Prolacta Prolacta Bioscience, Inc. (www.prolacta.com) is a life science company dedicated to improving quality of life by Advancing the Science of Human Milk™. Prolacta creates specialty formulations made exclusively from human milk for the nutritional needs of critically ill premature infants in neonatal intensive care units. It is the first and only company to provide a human milk fortifier made from 100% human milk, Prolact+ H2MF™. They operate a pharmaceutical grade processing plant and have designed and patented processes that enable them to make their one-of-a-kind life saving products. Prolacta is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the most vulnerable infants through world-class research and innovative products. Close Section » PROLACTA BIOSCIENCE ANNOUNCES RENEWED AGREEMENT WITH INTERNATIONAL BREAST MILK PROJECT MONROVIA, Calif. December 1, 2010 -- Prolacta Bioscience®, the first and only company to offer human milk fortifier (HMF) made from 100 percent human breast milk for premature and critically ill infants weighing less than 1250 grams at birth, has announced a renewed agreement with the International Breast Milk Project (IBMP). IBMP is a nonprofit organization that provides large provisions of donor breast milk to infants suffering from HIV/AIDS, malnourishment, poverty, and disease. Click here to read more » Under the five-year agreement, which began November 20, 2010, Prolacta will process all donor breast milk collected through IBMP. Processing donor breast milk is a critical step prior to shipment because it ensures the milk's safety. Prolacta's unique milk processing includes donor screening, DNA matching to ensure donor identification, drug testing, pasteurization, final product testing, labeling, and packaging. Annually, Prolacta will process 25 percent of the first 400,000 ounces of donated breast milk for infants in Africa who have been orphaned due to HIV/AIDS, or who are suffering from HIV/AIDS, malnourishment, poverty, and disease. The remaining 75 percent will stay in the United States to make Prolacta's human-milk-derived HMF for critically ill and premature infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Should IBMP's breast milk donations exceed 400,000 ounces, 10 percent of that amount above 400,000 ounces will be processed for shipment to Africa, and the remaining milk will stay in the U.S. Additionally, Prolacta will donate one dollar to IBMP for every ounce of milk that remains in the U.S. "It is incredibly rewarding to be part of an effort that provides nutrition from human breast milk to suffering infants," said Scott Elster, chief executive officer of Prolacta. "The champions of this effort, however, are the mothers who generously donate their excess breast milk. As a result of their contributions, we can collectively help critically ill preemies in the United States, as well as infants in Africa who would not otherwise have this essential nutrition." Since Prolacta and IBMP began partnering in 2007, Prolacta has processed over 262,000 ounces of milk for IBMP, which is the equivalent of 65,000 meals. Both parties estimate that there will be two shipments to Africa per year, with the first shipment tentatively scheduled for the fall of 2011. Prolacta manufactures the first and only human milk-based HMF, Prolact+ H2MF™. The current standard practice of care in the majority of NICUs across the nation uses cow milk-based fortifiers for human milk fortification. A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics has demonstrated that for very low-birth-weight preterm infants weighing less than 1250 grams at birth, an exclusively human milk diet decreases the incidence and severity of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and surgeries related to NEC. Prolacta's products are made from 100% human milk and are used exclusively in the NICU environment. "We are thrilled to be partnering with Prolacta Bioscience again. Prolacta's involvement in our donor process allows International Breast Milk Project to expand our reach and assist even more infants in need. This partnership provides moms across the U.S. the opportunity to donate their excess breast milk and make a significant impact in the health of infants both in the U.S. and Africa." said Jill Youse, founder of the International Breast Milk Project. About Prolacta Prolacta Bioscience, Inc. (www.prolacta.com) is a life science company dedicated to improving quality of life by Advancing the Science of Human MilkTM. Prolacta creates specialty formulations made exclusively from human milk for the nutritional needs of critically ill premature infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. It is the first and only company to provide a human milk fortifier made from 100% human milk, Prolact+ H2MF™. They operate a pharmaceutical grade processing plant and have designed and patented processes that enable them to make their one-of-a-kind life saving products. Prolacta is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the most vulnerable infants through world-class research and innovative products. About International Breast Milk Project International Breast Milk Project (IBMP) is an international humanitarian aid organization dedicated to providing life-giving donor milk to infants in critical need around the world. One of IBMP's primary goals is to provide essential nutrition for infants in South Africa who have been affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. IBMP's on-going mission is to create awareness of the need for human donor milk, mobilize donors and provide donor milk to infants in need. To date, IBMP donors have provided 267,682 ounces of donor breast milk to infants around the world. Close Section » PROLACTA BIOSCIENCE TO SUPPORT SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE® EFFORTS THROUGH PHILANTHROPIC DONATION MONROVIA, Calif. June 15, 2010 -- Prolacta Bioscience, the first and only company to offer human milk fortifier (HMF) made from 100% human breast milk for premature and critically ill infants, has announced that they will donate funds to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® in support of the fight against breast cancer. The synergy between Prolacta and Komen for the Cure is natural, as there is a correlation between breast-feeding and a reduced risk of breast cancer in women. Click here to read more » Prolacta's financial commitment is to donate one dollar to Komen per ounce of qualified breast milk collected through the Helping Hands Milk Bank (www.helpinghandsbank.com). Their minimum annual commitment will be $25,000, which will help Komen fund life-saving research and community outreach projects. Komen is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. "We are delighted to be working with Komen," said Scott Elster, CEO of Prolacta. "We believe that an exemplary way to honor our donor mom's charitable act is to reciprocate with one of our own. Mothers who selflessly donate to help preterm infants will now also be contributing to the fight against breast cancer." Prolacta's Prolact+ H2MF™ is the first and only commercially available human milk fortifier made from 100% human breast milk. The current standard practice in the NICU uses bovine milk-based products for human milk fortification. A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics has demonstrated that for very low-birth-weight preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit, a completely human breast milk diet decreases the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and surgeries related to NEC. "Susan G. Komen for the Cure's partnership with Prolacta Bioscience is a unique partnership that will contribute funds for life-saving research and breast health education," said Katrina McGhee, Komen for the Cure's senior vice president, global business development & partnerships. "Being female and getting older are the two most significant risk factors for breast cancer and this partnership enables women to share our promise to save lives and end breast cancer." About Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which is now the world's largest breast cancer organization and the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer with nearly $1.5 billion invested to date. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. About Prolacta Prolacta Bioscience Inc. (www.prolacta.com) is a life science company that is dedicated to improving quality of life by Advancing the Science of Human Milk™. Prolacta creates specialty formulations made exclusively from human milk for the nutritional needs of critically ill premature infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. It is the first and only company to provide a human milk fortifier made from 100% human milk, Prolact+ H2MF. They operate a pharmaceutical grade processing plant and have designed and patented processes that enable them to make their one-of-a-kind life saving products. Prolacta is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the most vulnerable infants through world class research and innovative products. Close Section » GROUNDBREAKING STUDY DEMONSTRATES BENEFITS OF EXCLUSIVELY HUMAN MILK-BASED DIET FOR VERY LOW-BIRTH-WEIGHT PRETERM INFANTS IN NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNITS -- Study finds Lower Rate of Necrotizing Enterocolitis than a Diet of Bovine Milk-Based Products -- MONROVIA, Calif. January 19, 2010 -- Prolacta Bioscience®, the first and only company to offer human milk fortifier (HMF) made from 100% human breast milk for premature and critically ill infants, has announced the results of a groundbreaking study that will have long-term benefits for the nutritional care of very low-birth-weight preterm infants (less than 2 pounds, 12 ounces or 1250 grams) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The study was published in The Journal of Pediatrics December 28, 2009 online edition at www.jpeds.com. Click here to read more » The landmark study, whose lead author was Sandra Sullivan M.D. with the department of pediatrics at the University of Florida, Gainesville, concludes that for very low-birth-weight preterm infants weighing less than 1250 grams, an exclusively human milk-based diet is associated with significantly lower rates of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and surgical NEC, when compared to a very low-birth-weight preterm infant who received a diet that includes bovine milk-based products. NEC is a severe complication that often affects preterm infants, in which the intestinal tissue disintegrates. It is a serious disease with a mortality rate approaching 25%1. The results of the study are significant because until recently, the standard of care and the only human milk fortifiers available were bovine-based. This posed challenges for the nutritional care of very low-birth-weight preterm infants in the NICU because of the occurrence of intolerance to feedings, possibly as a result of exposure to non-human protein in the bovine-based fortifier. "The results of this study are astounding. No other intervention has shown such a beneficial effect for NEC," said Dr. Sullivan. "Neonatologists now have a way to appropriately nourish very low-birth-weight preterm infants and maintain the benefits of an exclusive human-milk diet. The decision to use traditional bovine-based HMF for these babies should not be made lightly, and warrants reconsideration in all NICUs." The trial was comprised of three study groups of infants whose birth weights ranged between 500 and 1250 grams. Groups one and two began fortification at different times. These first two groups of infants received pasteurized donor human milk-based HMF, Prolact+ H2MF™ from Prolacta Bioscience. The third group received the standard feeding protocol of bovine milk-based HMF, and preterm formula if mother's own milk was not available. The most significant difference among the three study groups was the incidence of NEC, which was approximately two-thirds lower in the two study groups using the human milk-based HMF, compared to the study group using bovine milk-based HMF. Prolact+ H2MF is the first and only commercially available human milk fortifier made from 100% human breast milk. The current standard practice in the NICU uses bovine milk-based products for human milk fortification. A recent study has demonstrated that for very low-birth-weight preterm infants in the NICU, human breast milk decreases the incidence of diseases such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and sepsis2. NEC is a devastating disease of the gut and a leading cause of premature infant death3. Prematurity has been escalating steadily over the past two decades, and one out of eight babies is born prematurely in the U.S.4 Of that category, about 10% of these births are very low-birth-weight preterm infants. Most babies who use Prolacta products are born weighing less than 1250 grams. These infants are considered very low birth weight, and are at substantial risk of serious health problems, lasting disabilities, and even death5. Prolacta's products are formulated to meet specific criteria as prescribed by neonatologists. Therefore, Prolacta standardizes their products with precise calories, nutrients, and proteins to meet these criteria. About Prolacta Prolacta Bioscience Inc. (www.prolacta.com) is a life science company that is dedicated to improving quality of life by Advancing the Science of Human Milk™. Prolacta creates specialty formulations made exclusively from human milk for the nutritional needs of critically ill premature infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. It is the first and only company to provide a human milk fortifier made from 100% human milk, Prolact+ H2MF. They operate a pharmaceutical grade processing plant and have designed and patented processes that enable them to make their one-of-a-kind life saving products. Prolacta is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the most vulnerable infants through world class research and innovative products. 1Medline Plus. (2009, May 15). U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health website: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001148.html. Accessed December 26, 2009. 2Meinzen-Derr J, Poindexter B, Wrage et al. Role of human milk in extremely low birth weight infants' risk of necrotizing enterocolitis or death. Journal of Perinatology 2009 Jan;29(1):57-62. 3Spitzer A. Intensive Care of the Fetus and Neonate. 1996. 4March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/prematurity/index_about.asp. Accessed December 26, 2009. 5Laffan EE, McNamara PJ, Amaral et al. Review of interventional procedures in the very low birth-weight infant (<1.5 kg): complications, lessons learned and current practice. Pediatric Radiology. 2009 Aug;39(8):781-90. Close Section » Prebiotics Poster at "Hot Topics in Neonatology" Concludes Prolacta Fortifier Contains Full Range of Oligosaccharides Found in Human Milk MONROVIA, Calif. December 10, 2008 -- Prolacta Bioscience, the first and only company to offer human milk fortifier (HMF) made from 100% human breast milk for premature and critically ill infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), has announced that a poster presentation at the Hot Topics in Neonatology conference concluded that the oligosaccharide content of Prolacta human milk fortifier product samples, H2MF, did not differ substantially with respect to size and composition as compared to typical mother's breast milk. Click here to read more » Oligosaccharide prebiotics are any of a group of carbohydrates consisting of a small number (two to ten) of simple sugar molecules. When oligosaccharides are consumed, the undigested portion serves as food for some of the bacteria in the intestine. Oligosaccharides can increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the large intestine while possibly also reducing the population of harmful bacteria. They also have other protective effects directed at pathogens in the gut. "These conclusions continue to underscore the fact that human milk fortifier derived from 100% human milk, as opposed to bovine milk, is a better choice for infants in the NICU," said Scott Elster, CEO of Prolacta Bioscience. "Human milk and Prolacta's human milk derived products are the only ones that contain human oligosaccharides that interact with the bacterial population of the human gut." The poster presentation is being led by University of California, Davis researchers Daniela Barile, Carlito B. Lebrilla, and J. Bruce German. Entitled "Oligosaccharide Prebiotics Present in a Breast Milk Based Human Milk Fortifier," the poster concluded the following:
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's products are formulated to meet specific criteria as prescribed by neonatologists. Therefore, Prolacta standardizes their products with precise calories, nutrients, and proteins. A mother's breast milk is not deficient in any nutrients, however it is not able to support the growth that preterm infants need to catch-up with their full-term peers. Feeding these babies more volume is not an option since their stomachs are too small, therefore a solution to this problem is to concentrate their food. Hot Topics in Neonatology has been the premier neonatology conference for over 27 years. This year it was held December 7th - 9th, 2008, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington D.C. About Prolacta Prolacta Bioscience (www.prolacta.com) is a life sciences company that is dedicated to improving quality of life by Advancing the Science of Human Milk™. 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, Prolact+ 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. Close Section » Prolacta® Bioscience to Present Abstract on Human Breast Milk-based Fortifier in Pre-term Infants at American Academy of Pediatrics 2008 National Conference MONROVIA, Calif. July 16, 2008 -- Prolacta Bioscience has announced that the American Academy of Pediatrics 2008 National Conference and Exhibition has accepted their abstract demonstrating the effects of human milk-based human milk fortifier on pre-term infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics 2008 National Conference and Exhibition (NCE) will take place October 11-14, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts. Prolacta Bioscience, which is the first and only company to offer human milk fortifier made from 100% human breast milk for premature and critically ill infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), will present during Perinatal Pediatrics on Friday, October 10, 2008 taking place from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Click here to read more » The abstract, entitled "A Historically Controlled Cohort Study of a Novel Breast Milk-Based Human Milk Fortifier in Pre-Term Infants: Effects on Growth, Respiratory Status and ROP" shares results of a cohort study that was conducted to ascertain differences in outcomes of preterm infants who for the first 30 days of fortification received breast milk fortified with Prolact+™ H2MF™ compared to historical controls who received standard human milk fortifier (HMF). Prolact+ H2MF is a human breast milk-based HMF, whereas standard HMF is derived from cows' milk. HMF is important for premature babies because they miss out on significant growth that occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy. A mother's breast milk is not deficient in any nutrient, however it is not able to support the growth that preterm infants need to catch-up with their full-term peers. Feeding these babies more volume is not an option since their stomachs are too small, therefore a solution to this problem is to concentrate their food. The study's lead author is Sandra Sullivan, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics, division of neonatology, University of Florida College of Medicine. Results of the study were significant, and demonstrated that preterm infants who received H2MF grew at rates similar to controls, required fewer ventilator days subsequent to fortification, and had a lower incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The study concludes that H2MF promotes growth comparable to that seen with cows' milk-based fortifiers and may have a beneficial effect on respiratory status and ROP. "Prolacta was founded on the age-old belief that human milk is the best food for infants, and that there would be significant benefits from 100% human milk-based nutrition for premature infants," said Scott Elster, CEO of Prolacta Bioscience. "This study demonstrates that fortifier made from human milk is superior to bovine-based substitutes. We have anticipated the results of this study for some time, and are excited to share this data with the neonatology community." 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's products are formulated to meet specific criteria as prescribed by neonatologists. Therefore, Prolacta standardizes their products with precise calories, nutrients, and proteins. About Prolacta Prolacta Bioscience (www.prolacta.com) is a life sciences company that is dedicated to improving quality of life by Advancing the Science of Human Milk™. 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, Prolact+ 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. Close Section » Prolacta Bioscience Announces In-Vitro Study Results on Effects of Human Milk Fortifiers for Premature Infants MONROVIA, Calif. February 12, 2008 -- Prolacta Bioscience, the first and only company to offer human milk fortifier made from 100% human breast milk for premature and critically ill infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), has announced the results of a recent published research paper by lead author Dr. Gary Chan from the University of Utah. The experiment, published in Breastfeeding Medicine, studied the antibacterial actions of human milk by comparing the effects of human breast milk-derived fortifier when mixed with breast milk, versus those of a powdered bovine-based fortifier on the same milk. Click here to read more » 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:
"This study proves what most experts have known for some time," said Scott Elster, CEO of Prolacta Bioscience. "Human breast milk is far superior to any other food that can be given to an infant. In the case of premature infants, human milk-derived fortifier is a better option since it delivers only native human proteins and fats." 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, Prolact+ 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 Close Section » Prolacta Chief Medical Officer to Present at 2008 Conference of the International Society for Research on Human Milk and Lactation MONROVIA, Calif. December 5, 2007 -- Dr. David J. Rechtman will be presenting a research paper at the 2008 Conference of the International Society for Research on Human Milk and Lactation (ISRHML) in Perth, Australia on February 5, 2008. Dr. Rechtman's topic at ISRHML will be "A Donor Milk-Based Human Milk Fortifier." He will be presenting a brief description of the process and resulting content of Prolact+ H2MF™ along with a brief report on clinical trials to date. The International Society for Research on Human Milk and Lactation is the premiere organization for research in the field of human milk and lactation. Membership is restricted to those who have shown themselves to be active in advancing knowledge in the field through publications. Click here to read more » 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. Close Section » Prolacta Bioscience Processes 55,000 Ounces of Donor Breast Milk for International Breast Milk Project Shipment to South Africa Quick International Donates Shipping Service from U.S. to South Africa MONROVIA, Calif. October 22, 2007 -- Prolacta Bioscience, a privately held company that offers the first and only milk fortifier made from 100% human milk for the nutritional needs of premature and critically ill infants, announced the donated processing of over 50,000 ounces of milk for the International Breast Milk Project (IBMP). The breast milk is being shipped by Quick International to the iThembu Lethu orphanage in Durban, South Africa and was scheduled to arrive on October 21st for babies who have been orphaned by disease and poverty. Click here to read more » IBMP was created in 2006 by Jill Youse, with the goal of providing nutrient-rich human breast milk for babies in need. The first IBMP breast milk shipment in 2006 contained the donated breast milk of only one person, Jill Youse. As of May 31, IBMP had over 800 milk donor applicants from across the United States, and 305 of these mothers made donations totaling 55,000 ounces of breast milk. All 55,000 ounces have been sent to South Africa, with 5,000 ounces shipped in May of 2007, and the remaining 50,000 ounces in transit. "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. Close Section » Prolacta Bioscience Appoints Ellen N. Cushing as Vice President Sales and Marketing MONROVIA, Calif. September 18, 2007 -- Prolacta Bioscience, a privately held company that offers the first and only milk fortifier made from 100% human milk for the nutritional needs of premature and critically ill infants, announced today the appointment of Ellen N. Cushing as vice president of sales and marketing. Click here to read more » Ms. Cushing is a seasoned medical industry executive, with over two decades of experience in the medical device and health care IT industry. Her experience directing global marketing organizations will carry into her role at Prolacta where she will be responsible for defining global strategies, in addition to daily oversight of sales, marketing, and customer care. Ms. Cushing's background is extensive, and includes a leadership position for the perinatal business unit at Draeger Medical. As vice president of product management, she managed international marketing efforts focused on global innovation and product life cycle management processes. Ms. Cushing's previous positions included roles as engineering manager, sales manager, director of the perinatal business unit, and marketing manager for neonatal/pediatric products at Spacelabs Medical, based in Washington. "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 (www.prolacta.com) is a life science company dedicated to the application of science relating to human milk - 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 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. Close Section » Prolacta Bioscience Closes on over $12 Million in Private Funding Seasoned Plasma Industry Expert John Bacich Named Chairman of the Board MONROVIA, Calif. May 23, 2007 -- Prolacta Bioscience, a privately held company that provides the only commercially available human milk fortifier made exclusively from human milk for infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), announced today that it has secured over $12 million in funding, and that it has named former Baxter Bioscience President John Bacich as Chairman of the Board. Alta Partners led the financing and was joined by DFJ Frontier, Arcturus Capital, DFJ Mercury, Funk Ventures, Phillip Capital, Gideon Hixon Fund, and Draper Associates L.P., as well as others. Alison de Bord, Director at Alta Partners, joined the board of Prolacta in connection with the financing. Click here to read more » Prolacta currently sells the first and only human milk fortifier, made from 100% human milk, for use in the NICU. Fortifier is added to a mother's own milk, or to donor milk, which is critical for a preemie or sick baby's ability to grow and develop. The new funding will support greater commercialization and sales of Prolacta's successful product line, as well as the development of additional products that meet the specific nutritional needs of these critically ill and premature infants. 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 Alta Partners is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm focused on life sciences investing. Founded in 1996, the firm currently manages $2 billion in committed capital through eight venture fund programs. Alta invests in life sciences companies across the development continuum, from company formation to later-stage opportunities, and has funded more than 110 companies in the sector to date. www.altapartners.com About Prolacta Prolacta BioScience (www.prolacta.com) is a life science company dedicated to the application of science relating to human milk - one of nature's most complex and valuable substances. Prolacta is the pioneer in human milk-based nutritional products for critically-ill and premature infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It has created the first and only commercially available Human Milk Fortifier made from 100% human milk, Prolact-Plus™. With this breakthrough development, Prolacta has made a commitment to improving neonatal nutrition. Using state of the art formulation, pasteurization and filling processes, Prolacta ensures the highest possible level of product safety and quality. The company 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. Close Section » Legalzoom, Snap.com, Prolacta Named Winners of Entretech / Pricewaterhousecoopers Fourth Annual Entrepreneurship Award 2007 PASADENA, Calif. -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Entretech (www.entretech.org), a leading business development organization serving high technology companies throughout Greater Los Angeles, announced today that LegalZoom, Snap.com and Prolacta Bioscience have been named winners of its fourth annual Entrepreneurship Award 2007. Offered in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers, the world's largest professional services organization, the Entretech PricewaterhouseCoopers Entrepreneurship Award celebrates the entrepreneurial vigor and business achievements of technology companies based in Los Angeles. Click here to read more » The three winners were honored at an awards dinner on April 19, on the Caltech campus, featuring keynote speaker Ruth Owades, distinguished entrepreneur, and founder of two successful companies, Calyx & Corolla, and Gardeners' Eden. 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 LegalZoom (www.legalzoom.com) is the nation's number one online self-help legal document service. Co-founded by attorney Robert Shapiro in 2001, LegalZoom.com (www.legalzoom.com) lets consumers and small business owners take care of common legal matters online without a costly attorney. Legal documents available through LegalZoom include: Wills, Living Wills, Incorporation, LLC Formation, Living Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Divorces, Small Claims, Trademarks, Copyrights and more. $1 to $5 million 2006 revenue Snap.com (www.snap.com) is a web search engine that, with its visual approach to search and intuitive user interface, provides users with a unique and more efficient way to view and interact with search results. Snap.com also delivers to businesses a more cost-effective advertising model that aligns search relevance with advertiser goals while also protecting them from click fraud. Snap.com was recently chosen as one of TIME magazine's 50 Coolest Websites of 2006. Under $1 million 2006 revenue Prolacta Bioscience (www.prolacta.com) is a life science company dedicated to the application of science relating to human milk - one of nature's most complex and valuable substances. Offering a suite of specialty formulations of human milk for the nutritional and immunological needs of premature and critically ill infants, Prolacta is committed to supporting research in the areas of human milk and premature infant nutrition. Prolacta operates a pharmaceutical grade processing plant and has designed and patented processes unique to the science of human milk. 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. Close Section » Prolacta Bioscience Adds Joe Fournell and Mitchell Kirk to Management Team MONROVIA, Calif. December 13, 2006 -- Prolacta Bioscience, a privately held company that provides specialty formulations of human milk for the immunological and nutritional needs of premature and critically ill infants, announced today the addition of two key members of the management team. Joe Fournell has joined Prolacta as vice president of operations, and Mitchell A. Kirk has joined as vice president of sales and marketing. These two additions will round out the management team, which includes Elena Medo, founder and president; Nathen Fox, chief financial officer; Dr. David Rechtman, chief medical officer; and Dr. Martin Lee, chief scientific officer. Click here to read more » Mr. Fournell has over a decade of experience in operations and supply chain management for the high-tech and bioscience sectors. Most recently, he served as director of global logistics for the Bioscience division of Baxter Healthcare where he managed the transportation, warehousing, and distribution of over $3 billion in products globally. Mr. Kirk has spent nearly three decades in the pharmaceutical industry and has held sales and management positions at Schering-Plough, Glaxo, GlaxoSmithKline, and Valeant Pharmaceuticals. His broad experience includes having led the efforts for managed care, Medicare, and Medicaid reimbursement at Valeant. "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 (www.prolacta.com) is a life science company dedicated to the application of science relating to human milk - one of nature's most complex and valuable substances. Our mission is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of the most vulnerable infants through world class research and innovative products. Prolacta offers a suite of specialty formulations of human milk for the nutritional and immunological needs of premature and critically ill infants. The company 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. Close Section » Prolacta Bioscience Appoints John Bacich to Board of Directors MONROVIA, Calif. October 25, 2006 -- Prolacta Bioscience, a privately held company that provides specialty formulations of human milk for the immunological and nutritional needs of premature and critically ill infants, announced today the appointment of John Bacich to its board of directors. The announcement comes at the heels of two important milestones over the past 30 days: the closing of series B Prime financing and the selection of Scott Elster as their new CEO. Click here to read more » 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. "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 (www.prolacta.com) is a life science company dedicated to the application of science relating to human milk - one of nature's most complex and valuable substances. Our mission is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of the most vulnerable infants through world class research and innovative products. Prolacta offers a suite of specialty formulations of human milk for the nutritional and immunological needs of premature and critically ill infants. The company 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. Close Section » Prolacta Bioscience Names Scott Elster as CEO MONROVIA, Calif. October 18, 2006 -- Prolacta Bioscience, a privately held company that provides specialty formulations of human milk for the immunological and nutritional needs of premature and critically ill infants, announced today that it has named Scott Elster as its CEO. In this role, Mr. Elster will lead all aspects of the organization. Click here to read more » Mr. Elster has over 20 years experience in the biosciences and financial sectors. His experience encompasses planning, finance and strategy development, supply chain, and operations at the Bioscience Division of Baxter Healthcare, Clinical Micro Sensors (a Motorola Company), and Deloitte and Touche. At Baxter, Mr. Elster's management work was focused directly on plasma products worldwide. At Clinical Micro Sensors, Mr. Elster successfully prepared operations for the company's first commercial launch, including FDA approval of the manufacturing facility. Mr. Elster also serves on the board of directors and is past chairman of the board for Monrovia Growers. "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 (www.prolacta.com) is a life science company dedicated to the application of science relating to human milk - one of nature's most complex and valuable substances. Our mission is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of the most vulnerable infants through world class research and innovative products. Prolacta offers a suite of specialty formulations of human milk for the nutritional and immunological needs of premature and critically ill infants. The company 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. Close Section » Prolacta Bioscience Closes on over $5 Million in Private Funding MONROVIA, Calif. October 4, 2006 -- Prolacta Bioscience, a privately held company that provides specialty formulations of human milk for the immunological and nutritional needs of premature and critically ill infants, announced today that it has raised over $5 million in private venture funding for its series B prime financing round from a combination of existing investors, new investors, and several high profile angel investors. Click here to read more » New investors included Arcturus Capital, DFJ Mercury, Philip Capital, Funk Ventures Capital, and the Gideon Hixon Fund. Existing investors include DFJ Frontier, Draper Richards, and Draper Associates. "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 Prolacta BioScience (www.prolacta.com) is a life science company dedicated to the application of science relating to human milk - one of nature's most complex and valuable substances. Our mission is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of the most vulnerable infants through world class research and innovative products. Prolacta offers a suite of specialty formulations of human milk for the nutritional and immunological needs of premature and critically ill infants. The company 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. About Arcturus Arcturus Capital (www.arcturusvc.com) is a Los Angeles-based venture capital firm. The Arcturus team combines 170 years of experience in venture capital investing, professional investment management, executive operating experience, and advanced scientific research. With a collective investment record spanning more than three decades, Arcturus principals have made more than 100 venture investments that have resulted in 22 IPOs and 38 M&A transactions. With a large, diverse group of investment professionals, Arcturus is able to be opportunistic across business stages and regions, though our primary focus is early-stage technology companies in the Southern California area. About DFJ Mercury DFJ Mercury (www.dfjmercury.com) is a Texas-based, seed and early stage venture capital fund. We invest in companies that are addressing large market opportunities in information technology, applied materials and life sciences. DFJ Mercury is part of the global intelligence network of Draper Fisher Jurvetson funds. DFJ Mercury seeks to partner with extraordinary entrepreneurs to build globally competitive businesses. Our team has a long track record of launching, growing and investing in early stage companies. We believe that the most important ingredient in any start-up is the entrepreneur. Our philosophy is to help entrepreneurs build their businesses from the very early stage. About Funk Ventures Capital Partners Funk Ventures is a multi-faceted and entrepreneurial investment firm with focus on venture capital, business acceleration, and real estate. Supported by an experienced and passionate team, the firm's philosophy is grounded in the belief that businesses can make a significant and positive contribution to people, society and the environment. The firm's venture capital arm makes value-add investments in promising companies in the wellness, medical device and clean tech markets. Funk Ventures also runs a business accelerator, providing resources, expertise and management to growing companies that are still too young to receive venture financing. The firm's real estate unit is active as both an investor and developer, with a focus on international resort destinations and sustainable living communities. For more information, visit www.funkventures.com or call (310) 395-5703. Funk Ventures is a registered trademark of Funk Ventures, Inc. About Philip Capital Phillip Capital is an integrated financial services group that offers a full range of quality and innovative financial services to individuals, corporate and institutional customers. Our services include private equity/venture capital, corporate finance, broking of bonds and stocks, fund management, futures and commodities, factoring, financial planning and property consultancy. We operate in the financial hubs of 11 countries including Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Australia, United Kingdom and France. We have an extensive branch network with more than 2,500 staff in Asia and Europe and total assets under management in excess of US$3 billion. About Gideon Hixon Fund The Gideon Hixon Fund is the venture capital vehicle for the Hixon family. The Gideon Hixon Fund and its predecessor entities (HixVen and Southwest Venture Partnerships) have a long history in venture capital beginning in the 1970s. The group's venture capital investments include Apple Computer (NASDAQ & NYSE: AAPL) and Dell (NASDAQ: DELL) as well as more recent successes including CORSolutions (acquired by Matria), Sensitech (acquired by Carrier), Medior (acquired by AOL), Security Dynamics (acquired by RSA), WebCal (acquired by Yahoo) and Xiotech (acquired by Seagate). About Draper Richards Draper Richards L.P. is a venture capital firm investing in early-stage technology companies. We fund entrepreneurs with the energy, vision, experience, and desire to build great companies. Draper Richards is an active investor, dedicated to helping entrepreneurs achieve their maximum potential through contacts, advice, and support. We provide portfolio companies assistance in the areas of strategy, executive team recruiting, and raising capital. About DFJ Frontier With offices in Sacramento and Santa Barbara, DFJ Frontier (www.dfjfrontier.com) invests in seed and early stage technology companies in California. We are an affiliate of Draper Fisher Jurvetson, a premier Silicon Valley venture capital fund known for visionary early stage investing. DFJ Frontier backs passionate entrepreneurs and provides business assistance, not just capital. We typically lead the first round of investment, taking a significant stake in the company and an active role on the Board of Directors. We continue to invest in subsequent rounds and help arrange financing from other institutional investors, supporting our companies as they move towards self-sufficiency and liquidity. Close Section » |
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Media Contact:
Loren Kosmont
loren@pstrategies.net
310-721-9444
Loren Kosmont
loren@pstrategies.net
310-721-9444