When COVID-19 began its rapid spread across the globe early this year, many in the medical community looked to blood plasma, the antibody-rich blood component used as a treatment in pandemics of the past as a potential therapeutic tool.
Well before the current pandemic, plasma had already earned a place in global public health because donated plasma is used to create lifesaving therapies for patients living with rare and serious conditions, including hemophilia and primary immunodeficiency diseases. To raise awareness of the importance of plasma in the global healthcare system, the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association has created International Plasma Awareness Week, which runs from Oct. 5-9 this year.
It comes at an important time for patients. The CoVIg-19 Plasma Alliance, which includes CSL Behring, is developing a potential plasma-derived hyperimmune medicine to treat COVID-19. This effort depends on the continued donation of convalescent plasma from those who have recovered from the coronavirus. Donations are also needed every day for those living with rare and serious conditions.
To learn more about plasma and how it helps patients, take a look at the video above from the PPTA. If you live in the U.S. and you’re interested in donating plasma, please visit CSLPlasma.com.
