ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 8, 2018) — Today, in conjunction with its member companies, the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) launched the sixth annual International Plasma Awareness Week (IPAW), a globally recognized opportunity to raise awareness of plasma collection and how lifesaving plasma protein therapies are derived from plasma donations.
Plasma—the straw-colored liquid portion of blood—contains proteins which are necessary for carrying out critical functions in the human body, such as antibodies to fight diseases and clotting factors to regulate bleeding. If a person has insufficient levels of any one plasma protein, his or her body cannot carry out these vital functions, causing a variety of chronic and life-threatening medical conditions.
Plasma protein therapies, which include plasma-derived therapies and recombinant analogs, are used to treat chronic, life-threatening diseases including bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia), hereditary angioedema, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, primary immune deficiencies, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and certain rare neurological disorders. In addition, these therapies can be used in emergency and surgical medicine.
IPAW, celebrated October 8-12, raises awareness worldwide about plasma donation and recognizes the role of plasma donors in saving and improving lives. It also increases understanding about lifesaving plasma protein therapies and rare diseases.
“People around the world who live every day with serious, rare, genetic diseases rely on plasma protein therapies which are developed through the generosity and commitment of plasma donors. PPTA is proud of the contributions we and our member companies make to saving and improving lives,” said Joshua Penrod, PPTA, Vice President, Source & International Affairs.
As PPTA celebrates the generosity of plasma donors and works to raise awareness for rare diseases during IPAW, we encourage everyone to take a moment and thank a plasma donor for helping to ensure a higher quality of life for patients around the world.
A media kit containing infographics about plasma and plasma donation is available.
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About PPTA
The Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA), a global industry trade association, represents the private sector manufacturers of plasma-derived and recombinant analog therapies, collectively known as plasma protein therapies, and the collectors of source plasma used for fractionation. Millions of people use these therapies worldwide to treat a variety of diseases and serious medical conditions. PPTA also administers standards and programs that help ensure the quality and safety of plasma collection and manufacturing, protecting donors and patients.
Created on October 05 2018.