Protalix Submits Validation Data on Manufacturing Process to FDA

Press Release Source: Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc. On Tuesday April 27, 2010, 6:30 am

April 27, 2010 - CARMIEL, Israel /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc. (NYSE-Amex: PLX), announced today it has submitted validation data regarding the Company's manufacturing process for taliglucerase alfa to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Company made the submission in response to a request from the FDA for validation data from the Company's upgraded manufacturing facility. The FDA is currently reviewing the Company's New Drug Application (NDA) for taliglucerase alfa for the treatment of Gaucher disease.

Taliglucerase alfa has been granted orphan drug status and fast track designation in the United States. The Company continues to make taliglucerase alfa available to Gaucher patients in the United States under an Expanded Access protocol, as well as to patients in the European Union, Israel and other countries under Named Patient provisions.

About Gaucher disease

Gaucher disease, an inherited condition, is the most prevalent lysosomal storage disorder, with an incidence of about 1 in 20,000 live births. People with Gaucher disease do not have enough of an enzyme, beta-glucosidase (glucocerebrosidase), that breaks down a certain type of fat molecule. As a result, lipid engorged cells (called Gaucher cells) amass in different parts of the body, primarily the spleen, liver and bone marrow. Accumulation of Gaucher cells may cause spleen and liver enlargement, anemia, excessive bleeding and bruising, bone disease and a number of other signs and symptoms.

About Protalix

Protalix is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of proprietary recombinant therapeutic proteins expressed through its proprietary plant cell based expression system. Protalix's ProCellEx™ presents a proprietary method for the expression of recombinant proteins that Protalix believes will allow for the cost-effective, industrial-scale production of recombinant therapeutic proteins in an environment free of mammalian components and viruses. Protalix is also advancing additional recombinant biopharmaceutical drug development programs. Taliglucerase alfa is an enzyme replacement therapy in development under a Special Protocol Assessment with the FDA for Gaucher disease. In August 2009, the FDA granted orphan drug status and fast track designation to taliglucerase alfa for the treatment of Gaucher disease and Protalix filed a rolling NDA submission with the FDA in December 2009. In November 2009, Protalix granted Pfizer Inc. exclusive, worldwide rights to develop and commercialize taliglucerase alfa for the treatment of Gaucher disease, except inIsrael. Protalix retained the right to commercialize taliglucerase alfa in Israel.