NHS patients receive UK-donated plasma medicines for first time in 30 years

Octapharma supports NHS in building resilient supply chain

Octapharma has announced that, for the first time in almost 30 years, NHS patients are receiving medicines made from UK-donated plasma.

These plasma-derived medicinal products (PDMPs), including immunoglobulins and albumin, are essential for thousands of UK patients with chronic diseases, immune deficiencies, and critically ill patients following trauma, burns, or surgery.

In 2023, NHS England appointed Octapharma as the sole manufacturer for the Plasma for Medicines (PfM) programme, providing immunoglobulins and albumin made from UK-donated plasma until at least 2030. While Octapharma has supplied the NHS with medicines made from imported plasma for decades, this marks the first time it has manufactured medicines from UK plasma donations.

Clare Worden, General Manager of Octapharma UK, said: “We’re incredibly proud of all the accomplishments achieved through this unique collaboration with the NHS and blood collection services since we were appointed sole manufacturer.

“Bringing this programme to fruition is testament to our collective dedication, expertise and teamwork. This landmark joint initiative is building a more resilient supply chain for patients nationwide, reducing the country’s reliance on medicines made using imported plasma.”

Sir Stephen Powis, National Medical Director NHS England, said: “This landmark moment ensures patients relying on crucial plasma-derived medicines will always have access to the treatment they need. Thanks to NHS efforts, new plasma-derived products, owned from start to finish by the UK, will reduce our reliance on imported stock and boost the fortitude of hospital supplies.”

Dr Jo Farrar, Chief Executive of NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, NHS patients are now receiving medicines made from UK plasma for the first time in a generation. Plasma makes up 55 per cent of our blood and contains antibodies which strengthen or stabilise the immune system.”

Using UK plasma to make immunoglobulins and albumin was banned in 1998 to prevent the potential transmission of variant Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease (vCJD).

Since then, UK patients have received these medicines made using imported plasma, mainly from the US. However, following a comprehensive review, UK plasma can now once again be used to produce these vital medicines.