On 23 February 2011, orphan designation (EU/3/10/834) was
granted by the European Commission to Talecris Biotherapeutics
GmbH, Germany, for human plasmin for the treatment of acute
peripheral arterial occlusion. - What is acute peripheral
arterial occlusion? Acute peripheral arterial occlusion is the
sudden blockage of an artery supplying blood to the limbs by a
blood clot. The blood clot can form locally because the artery
is already narrowed, or it can come from another part of the
body, for example after surgery to the heart. Typically, the
patient experiences severe pain in the affected limb, which also
becomes cold and pale. The local nerves may become severely
damaged, leading to loss of sensation and the inability to move
the limb. The lack of blood flow in the limb could also lead to
tissue damage. Acute peripheral arterial occlusion is a
debilitating disease that may be life threatening, especially
because of the irreversible tissue damage. It could also lead to
amputation of the affected limb. - Wha