Alpha 1 Biomedicals Inc. said Friday that it has received itsfirst product approval, for the sale of Thymosin Alpha 1 inItaly.

Sclavo S.p.A., Alpha 1's Italian licensee, will sell the drug as atreatment for primary immunodeficiencies and as an adjuvantfor influenza vaccine in renal dialysis patients. The Italiangovernment has not yet established a price.

The initial indications are relatively narrow, and Sclavoanticipates modest initial sales. Alpha 1 of Washington, D.C.,will receive manufacturing revenue and royalties. Thecompany in February received a $1 million order from Sclavo.An Alpha 1 spokeswoman declined to project 1992 revenuesfrom the drug.

Thymosin is in Phase III trials in the United States to treatchronic hepatitis B and in Phase II/III trials in combinationwith interferon to treat chronic active hepatitis C.

The stock (NASDAQ:ALBM) rose 25 cents to $9.25. -- KB

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