Thanks to NHS blood and transplantation and the partnership between NHS England, the first NHS patients of the generation are beginning to receive life-saving blood plasma from donors in the UK.
Since the lifting of the UK’s long-standing ban on plasma in 2021, the UK has been building its own supply of blood plasma treatment amid a global shortage.
This reduces dependence on imports, saving the NHS between £5 million and £10 million a year, and strengthens the UK as a life sciences powerhouse under the UK government’s plan of change.
The importance of blood plasma in saving lives
Plasma comes from blood donation. The plasma in the blood contains antibodies that strengthen or stabilize the immune system.
Antibodies are isolated and become immunoglobin medications that treat people with life-limiting conditions such as immune deficiency, bleeding disorders, and severe burns.
Approximately 17,000 NHS patients with immune deficiency and rare diseases rely on plasma given to important humans to save lives.
It is also used in emergency care for childbirth and trauma care.
“We are pleased to announce that we are a great opportunity to help you,” said Stephen Powis ir, National Medical Director of NHS England.
“Thousands of people with severe and potentially life-threatening conditions, including immunodeficiency and neurological conditions, rely on these products and strengthen the supply chain of plasma treatment through UK donations, making these critical drugs accessible to NHS clinicians for anyone who needs these critical drugs.”
Jill Jones made history by becoming the first patient to be fed plasma raised in the UK at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. She was treated every three weeks after her diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma 20 years ago, and described the infusion as “life-changing.”
Building UK capacity for global plasma drugs
The initiative will also build the UK capacity of the global plasma drug industry, worth more than $30 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $45 billion by 2027.
This will help establish the NHS as an engine of economic growth, drive investment in public services and raise the standard of living for all.
NHS Blood and Transplantation (NHSBT) has collected 250,000 liters of plasma from donors in the UK since 2021. Two important drugs are being produced now. Immunoglobulins, immunoglobulins that treat autoimmune conditions, and are essential for surgical and liver conditions.
The NHS plans to reach 25% self-sufficiency with immunoglobulins by the end of 2025, 30-35% in 2031 and 80% in albumin by next year.
“Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, NHS patients are now receiving life-saving drugs made from UK plasma for the first time in a generation,” explained Dr. Jo Farrar, CEO of NHS Blood and Transplant.
“Plasma accounts for 55% of our blood and contains antibodies that strengthen or stabilize the immune system. It is used to save lives during childbirth and trauma, and to treat thousands of patients with life-limiting illnesses, such as immune deficiency.
“These life-saving drugs are made only from our blood. We need more donors to save more lives.”
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