Plasma-derived therapies are treatments made from the proteins and antibodies found in plasma, the liquid part of blood. These therapies are essential for people with conditions like immune system disorders, rare diseases, and serious conditions such as hemophilia. After donation, plasma is processed to extract key components like immunoglobulins, clotting factors, and albumin, which are used to create medications.

Your plasma donation has a direct impact on people’s lives. Many individuals who rely on plasma-derived therapies have conditions that would otherwise severely limit their quality of life or even be fatal. For instance:

The types of plasma-derived therapies include treatments that utilize the vital components found in plasma, such as proteins and antibodies, to treat various medical conditions.

Therapies for rare diseases

One powerful example is the treatment for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, a rare genetic disorder that can lead to severe lung and liver disease. Patients with this condition lack a critical protein that protects their tissues from damage. Plasma-derived therapies replace this missing protein, helping prevent lung damage and improve overall health.

Immune system support

Immunoglobulin therapies are another key plasma-derived treatment. They provide antibodies to people with immune deficiencies, like those with Primary Immunodeficiency (PI) or autoimmune disorders, who otherwise can’t fight infections effectively. By strengthening the immune system, these therapies offer crucial protection and help improve patients’ quality of life and avoid recurrent and severe infections.

Blood clotting disorders

Plasma-derived clotting factors are vital for treating blood clotting disorders like hemophilia. Hemophilia prevents blood from clotting properly, which means patients need regular infusions of these clotting factors, derived from plasma, to manage bleeding and prevent joint damage, internal bleeding, and other serious complications associated with the disorder.

Unlike synthetic drugs, plasma-derived therapies can’t be made in a lab. They rely on human plasma, which is why regular donations are so critical. Plasma can’t be stockpiled for long, and turning plasma into life-saving treatments is a complex, time-consuming process. This means that the supply of plasma must remain constant to keep up with healthcare demands.

Becoming a plasma donor is a generous act that directly contributes to the development of plasma-derived therapies. The process typically takes about 90 minutes, and you can donate more frequently than whole blood, allowing you to make an even greater impact over time. If you’re healthy, between 18 and 65 years old, weigh at least 50 kg, and pass a health screening, you can help patients through plasma donation.

Plasma-derived therapies are not just treatments – they are lifelines for people with chronic illnesses, immune disorders, and life-threatening conditions. Plasma donation supports vulnerable populations, including those with chronic, genetic, or rare diseases, providing a vital source of medicine for patients who would otherwise have limited treatment options.

By donating plasma regularly, you are helping to sustain a global healthcare system that relies on plasma to develop life-saving treatments. Your donation is more than just an act of kindness—it’s a gift that truly improves lives.