Jeffrey Modell Foundation Opens Diagnostic Center for Primary Immunodeficiencies at Midwest Immunology Clinic

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Jul 24, 2012, 05:00 ET

PLYMOUTH, Minn., July 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --The Jeffrey Modell Foundation (JMF), in partnership with CSL Behring, has designated the Midwest Immunology Clinic in Plymouth, Minnesota as a Jeffrey Modell Diagnostic Center for Primary Immunodeficiencies (PI). The Center is headed by Ralph Shapiro, M.D. and is devoted to the diagnosis, treatment and care of people who have PI and autoimmune disorders.

"This is a very exciting day for Midwest Immunology Clinic," said Dr. Shapiro. "We are honored to receive this distinction and look forward to working with the Jeffrey Modell Foundation and CSL Behring in raising awareness of immune problems among patients and physicians throughout our region, while continuing to enhance and improve our ability to diagnose and treat these rare and potentially debilitating disorders."

PI affects males and females of all ages, but the most severe forms are frequently detected in children. Symptoms of PI are often overlooked because they appear to be common childhood illnesses such as sinus infections, pneumonia, fever and bronchitis. For this reason, families and doctors are often unaware that the troubling conditions that they are dealing with are actually rooted in a defect in the immune system. Failure to diagnose PI can lead to serious chronic illness, permanent damage to health, or even death. PI includes more than 120 diseases caused by an immune system that does not function properly.

"We know that as many as 500,000 cases of PI remain undiagnosed in the United States," said Fred Modell, co-founder of the JMF. "Our goal is to give every child a chance to lead a healthy, normal life. We are thrilled to form this partnership with Midwest Immunology, Dr. Ralph Shapiro and CSL Behring."

"CSL Behring is proud and honored to be a part of this very exciting event," said Paul Perreault, President, CSL Behring. "The Jeffrey Modell Foundation's clear commitment to patient care is being proven once again with the establishment of this new diagnostic center. We are pleased that, as a result, patients will have even greater access to Immunoglobulin therapy so they can more easily enjoy life to the fullest."

The Midwest Immunology Clinic is located at 15700 37th Avenue North in Plymouth, MN.

About The Jeffrey Modell Foundation
The Jeffrey Modell Foundation was established in 1987 by Vicki and Fred Modell in memory of their son Jeffrey, who died at the age of 15 from complications of PI. The Foundation is dedicated to early and precise diagnosis, meaningful treatments, and ultimately, cures of PI. More information on PI can be found at www.info4pi.org or by calling the JMF hotline at 1-866-INFO-4-PI.

About Midwest Immunology Clinic
Midwest Immunology Clinic is specialized in the evaluation and treatment of infants, children and adults with diseases related to the immune system, including primary immune deficiencies and autoimmunity. The Clinic cares for people with chronic medical conditions, striving to meet their physical and emotional needs. Midwest Infusion Center is staffed by physicians, nurse practitioners and registered nurses who are experts in infusion therapy. They facilitate the administration of a variety of immune-based therapies for immunologic disorders as well as work as a team with referring physicians to administer other intravenous therapies. In addition, they ensure medications are delivered safely, affordably and efficiently in a comfortable caring environment. Midwest Infusion Center does more than treat a disease. Through comprehensive programs and services, it supports patients and those who care for them. Call 763-577-0008 for more information.

About CSL Behring
CSL Behring is a leader in the plasma protein therapeutics industry. Committed to saving lives and improving the quality of life for people with rare and serious diseases, the company manufactures and markets a range of plasma-derived and recombinant therapies worldwide. CSL Behring therapies are indicated for the treatment of coagulation disorders including hemophilia and von Willebrand disease, primary immune deficiencies, hereditary angioedema and inherited respiratory disease. The company's products are also used in cardiac surgery, organ transplantation, burn treatment and to prevent hemolytic diseases in newborns. CSL Behring operates one of the world's largest plasma collection networks, CSL Plasma. CSL Behring is a subsidiary of CSL Limited (ASX: CSL), a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. For more information, visit www.cslbehring.com

Contacts:
Vanessa Tenembaum
Jeffrey Modell Foundation
212-819-0200

CSL Behring
610-878-4209

Midwest Immunology Clinic
763-577-0008

SOURCE CSL Behring