First NHS patients in a generation to receive life-saving medicine made from the blood of UK donors
From this week, NHS patients are receiving lifesaving medicines made from plasma donated by blood and plasma donors in England.
This historic milestone marks the first time in 25 years that UK plasma is being used to make medicine for NHS patients.
Until now, we have relied on imports of these medicines, mainly from the US. Now, thanks to our amazing donors and staff, we are establishing our own supply of plasma medicines, which are important for patients with immune deficiencies, burns, and liver disease.
The journey so far
The NHS has been on a journey to create a world class plasma donation service since February 2021. Watch this video to relive the key moments from the last 4 years.
What are plasma medicines?
Plasma makes up 55% of our blood and contains antibodies which strengthen or stabilise the immune system. These antibodies can be made into medicine that saves and improves lives.
Plasma is separated out from all blood donations, and there are also three specific plasma donor centres where you can donate just plasma. All the plasma collected is combined in the manufacturing process to be made into medicines or fresh frozen plasma, so it takes many people to help one patient.
Donated plasma can be made into 2 medicines:
- immunoglobulin - in England around 17,000 people with life limiting illnesses such as immune deficiencies rely on immunoglobulin to save or improve their lives each year
- albumin - thousands of patients rely on albumin, which is used in childbirth, trauma, and to treat liver conditions
The NHS estimates that by the end of 2025, up to 23% of the country's demand for immunoglobulin and 80% of albumin needs will be met through UK plasma collection, reducing the need for imports.
Jill's story
Jill Jones from Oxford was diagnosed with immune deficiency 20 years ago after treatment for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, and has been having infusions of immunoglobulin every 3 weeks at the John Radcliffe Hospital ever since. She is one of the first people to receive plasma medicine made from UK plasma.
Jill describes her experience of coming to the ward as “like catching up with friends. The staff are delightful and you get to know staff and patients really well. You have a cup of coffee and chat. Today I was talking about knitting and kittens as I was being transfused!
“Transfusions have been life-changing for me in keeping me well. Before I started on them, I was regularly in hospital with infections – which just doesn’t happen now. It’s made a huge and positive difference to my life and my family’s life.
“I felt really privileged today to be the first patient in the UK to be receiving immunoglobin that was made from UK plasma for the first time in a very long time.”
How you can help
Lifesaving plasma medicines can only be made thanks to our amazing blood and plasma donors.
Every year, more and more people will rely on these lifesaving plasma medicines, and it takes many donations to help one patient.
We need more donors to help make these medicines and strengthen UK self-sufficiency.
We collect plasma at our 3 plasma donor centres in Birmingham, Reading and Twickenham. We also collect smaller amounts of plasma from blood donations given across the country, so if you can’t make it to one of our plasma donor centres, you can still help us collect plasma by giving blood.
Find out more about who can give blood or plasma, and sign up to donate today.
