Inaugural Global Awareness Event Shines Spotlight On Plasma Donors And Rare Diseases

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- International Plasma Awareness Week, October 13-20

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Sept. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The first ever International Plasma Awareness Week (IPAW) will be celebrated October 13-20. A joint initiative of the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) and its member companies, IPAW is designed to:

• Raise global awareness about source plasma collection
• Recognize the contributions of plasma donors in  saving and improving lives
• Increase understanding about lifesaving plasma protein therapies and rare diseases

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130903/PH72000LOGO)

Member companies are planning a variety of activities including: donor appreciation events, as well as, open houses for patients, government officials and the media at over 450 plasma collection facilities in Europe and the U.S. In addition, patient organizations representing individuals with rare diseases have pledged support for the event.

"People throughout the world rely on plasma protein therapies which are developed through the generosity and commitment of plasma donors. PPTA is proud of the contributions we and our member companies make to saving and improving lives and is delighted to sponsor an annual event that draws attention to rare diseases," said Joshua Penrod, PPTA, Vice President, Source

Plasma, a biological material that cannot be manufactured, is used to create lifesaving therapies that come solely from committed plasma donors in the U.S., Canada, Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. In addition to meeting regulatory requirements, the majority of these centers have achieved International Quality Plasma Program (IQPP) certification.  PPTA's voluntary standards program provides global leadership for the industry's goal of continuous improvement with a focus on safety and quality from the donor to the patient.  

Plasma protein therapies, which include plasma-derived therapies and recombinant analogs are used to treat chronic, life-threatening diseases including bleeding disorders, primary immune deficiencies, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and certain rare neurological disorders. In addition, these therapies are used in emergency and surgical medicine.

As PPTA celebrates the generosity of plasma donors and works to raise awareness for the rare diseases during International Plasma Awareness Week, we encourage everyone to thank donors who help to ensure a higher quality of life for patients around the world.

Learn more about plasma protein therapies, the diseases they treat and Donating Plasma.

About PPTA
PPTA represents the private sector manufacturers of plasma-derived and recombinant analog therapies, collectively known as plasma protein therapies and the collectors of source plasma used for fractionation. PPTA member companies produce approximately 80% of the therapies in the U.S. and 60% of those manufactured in Europe. PPTA works globally to advocate for access to and affordability of therapies; engage in constructive dialogue with regulatory authorities and collaborate with patient organizations. PPTA also administers standards and programs that help ensure the quality and safety of plasma, manufacturing, donors and patients.