As reported by The Herald, for the first time in decades, NHS patients are receiving life-saving plasma treatments from UK donors after a long-standing ban was lifted
NHS patients have received life-saving treatments from plasma given by UK donors for the “first time in a generation” after a long-standing ban was lifted.
Officials hailed the “landmark moment”, which will reduce the UK’s reliance on imported products.
Plasma is the liquid part of blood which carries nutrients, hormones and proteins around the body, as well as carrying waste products from cells.
Donations, which come from blood donations, are used to create plasma-derived medicines to treat conditions such as immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders and severe burns.
These treatments are thought to save the lives of about 17,000 NHS patients every year.
The UK banned the use of domestically collected plasma for fractionation – the process of separating plasma into individual components – in 1998.
This was due to UK plasma donors being exposed to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) – sometimes known as mad cow disease – a fatal brain disease caused by prions.
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.
Thousands of people with serious and potentially life-threatening conditions, including immunodeficiencies and neurological conditions rely on these products, and strengthening the supply chain of plasma-derived treatments through UK donations will help NHS clinicians ensure these vital medicines are available for all who need them.”
Two types of medicine are being made; immunoglobulins, which help treat autoimmune conditions; and albumin, which is used in surgery to treat burns and liver conditions.
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