What is plasma?

Human blood is an essential body fluid that performs a multitude of critical functions. It is composed of various elements, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

Plasma is the liquid component of human blood, making up a significant portion of this life-sustaining fluid. It consists mainly of water, electrolytes, and a diverse array of proteins, including albumin, globulins, and fibrinogen. This clear-yellowish substance carries water, salts, and enzymes. The main role of plasma is to take nutrients, hormones, and proteins to different parts of the body of the body. Additionally, plasma contains antibodies and clotting factors, contributing to body's immune response and its ability to control bleeding.

WHAT ARE PLASMA-DERIVED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS (PDMPs) ?

Plasma-derived medicinal products (PDMPs) are treatments derived from human plasma. These medicinal products such as albumin, coagulation factors and immunoglobulins, are life-saving therapeutics commonly used to treat rare and life-threatening diseases. Treatment with plasma-derived medicinal products has been shown to be very effective, significantly improving the life expectancy of patients, in addition to their overall quality of life. Moreover, as plasma, one of the primary sources of these therapies, can only be derived from human blood, it is imperative that the plasma collection process involves healthy donors. This process requires careful extraction and adherence to strict standards for donor safety.

The World Health Organization, along with national health agencies, sets stringent regulations and quality standards to ensure the safety and efficacy of plasma-derived products through blood, blood products and products of human origin (WHO Products of Humans Origin). This regulatory framework underscores the importance of ethically sourcing and managing these products to maximize their benefits while prioritizing donor health and recipient safety. In essence, the vital connection between plasma-derived therapies and WHO Products of Human Origin underscores the crucial role of human plasma in advancing modern medicine and improving the lives of patients worldwide.

Benefits of PDTs for patients

  • Plasma-derived therapies can increase the life expectancy of patients with certain life-threatening conditions, such as hemophilia or primary immunodeficiency disorders, by preventing severe complications and reducing the risk of mortality. By effectively managing these conditions, patients can expect a longer and healthier life.

  • By addressing underlying medical conditions and managing associated symptoms, plasma-derived therapies can significantly enhance the quality of life for patients, enabling them to lead more active and fulfilling lives.

  • Plasma-derived therapies can help lower healthcare expenditures by reducing the occurrence and severity of complications associated with various medical conditions. For example, treating hemophilia with clotting factor concentrates can minimize the need for costly hospitalizations due to bleeding episodes. Similarly, managing autoimmune diseases with plasma-derived immunoglobulins can prevent flares and related hospitalizations, ultimately reducing healthcare costs.

  • Plasma-derived therapies can contribute to socio-economic gains by allowing patients to maintain or regain their productivity and independence. When patients can effectively manage their conditions, they are more likely to participate in the workforce, contribute to their communities, and reduce the economic burden associated with long-term disability and healthcare costs.