Plasma Donors and Rare Diseases Take Center Stage

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-- International Plasma Awareness Week, October 13-20

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Oct. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) and its member companies are sponsoring International Plasma Awareness Week, October 13-20. This inaugural event 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 )

PPTA member companies have planned a variety of activities including: donor appreciation events, as well as, open houses for patients, government officials and the media at plasma collection facilities in Europe and the U.S. In addition, patient organizations representing individuals who rely on plasma protein therapies that treat rare diseases have pledged their support for the event.

PPTA will sponsor events in both Denver, Colorado and Vienna, Austria. In Denver, a kickoff celebration will be held in conjunction with the annual PPTA Business Forum on October 13, where a panel of international experts will provide a global perspective on plasma collection. State officials and local representatives of patient organizations have been invited to a kickoff celebration following the meeting in Denver. In Vienna, Austria on October 17, experts from academia and industry will present a workshop on the legal, scientific and business aspects of plasma collection. A patient and donor will also share personal perspectives.

"Patients 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 industry makes to saving and improving lives," said Joshua Penrod, PPTA Vice President, Source.

For a first time effort, IPAW has garnered impressive attention with print and online media coverage in the U.S., Austria, Belgium, Germany and the Czech Republic. Governors in twelve states have issued official Proclamations (CT, DE, IL, MA, MS, MO, NV, NC, OK, OR, PA, TX) and a statement has been entered into the Congressional Record with the support of Rep. Lynn Jenkins (R-KA).

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.

Plasma, a biological material derived from humans, is used to create lifesaving therapies. There are over 450 plasma collection facilities in Canada, Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany and the U.S. 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.

About PPTA
The Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA), a global industry trade association 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. These therapies are used by millions of people worldwide to treat a variety of diseases and serious medical conditions. PPTA administers standards programs, including the International Quality Plasma Program (IQPP), Quality Standards of Excellence, Assurance and Leadership (QSEAL), the National Donor Deferral Registry (NDDR) and the Patient Notification System (PNS).