February 28, 2025
By Marios Georgiou, Manager, Lead for Communications and Advocacy
Rare Disease Day is an opportunity to shine a light on the lifesaving role of plasma-derived therapies for patients with plasma protein deficiencies. This annual awareness observance takes place annually on 28 February (or 29 February in leap years) and was chosen because 29 February is the rarest day of the year.
In this blog post, PPTA shares how raising awareness for plasma donation not only strengthens support for patients worldwide but also paves the way for better outcomes for those who depend on these critical therapies.
Lifesaving Plasma-Derived Medicines
Plasma-derived medicines are the lifeline for patients with rare diseases across the globe. They provide essential treatment for conditions such as primary immunodeficiency disorders, certain secondary immunodeficiencies, hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, Hereditary Angioedema, Antithrombin III Deficiency, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, Hypogammaglobulinemia, Common Variable Immunodeficiency, X-linked Agammaglobulinemia, Kawasaki Disease, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Multifocal Motor Neuropathy, and other disorders caused by the absence or malfunction of specific proteins.
Although some of these conditions affect small patient populations, together they represent immense challenges for patients globally. These conditions impact daily health and wellbeing and can also impact a person’s livelihood and mental health. And for many of these conditions, plasma-derived medicines are often the only available treatment and the most effective treatment option. These therapies extend life expectancy, significantly improve quality of life, and reduce serious health complications. Without consistent access to these lifesaving treatments, countless patients face diminished prospects and a very real threat to their survival.
Increasing Understanding
Plasma-derived medicines are essential for patients with rare diseases and plasma is vital for producing these lifesaving therapies. A single patient’s annual treatment can require hundreds to thousands of plasma donations. When the public isn’t fully aware of this critical need, there may be less motivation to donate and help maintain a stable plasma supply.
This Rare Disease Day, PPTA calls on the entire plasma community to help raise awareness for rare diseases, and to help shine a light on the critical needs of patients with plasma protein deficiencies. By uniting our voices, together we can share how plasma-derived medicines transform lives. Rare Disease Day is the perfect chance to take action – whether by donating plasma, advocating for policies, or simply sharing information. Every act of awareness, no matter how small, contributes to a larger movement for change and a better world for patients.
Awareness Drives Action
Discover how you can make a difference – learn more about donating plasma at pptaglobal.org/donate. To witness the impact firsthand, watch inspiring patient stories on YouTube. And, if you’re a rare disease patient with a story to share, please email us at media@pptaglobal.org.