UK Hospitals Receive First Domestically Sourced Blood Plasma Medicines in a Generation

For the first time in over two decades, medicines manufactured from blood plasma donated within the United Kingdom are now being distributed to NHS hospitals. This landmark development follows the lifting of a precautionary ban imposed in 1998 on using UK plasma for medicinal products due to concerns about variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD).

The UK government announced that over 250,000 liters of plasma from volunteer UK donors have been processed by pharmaceutical company Octapharma to produce vital medicines like immunoglobulins and albumin. These products are crucial for treating a wide array of conditions, including immune deficiencies, inflammatory diseases, and liver disorders, as well as in trauma and childbirth.

Prior to this, the UK relied entirely on imported plasma-derived medicines, primarily from the United States, leaving the nation vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions. National Medical Director for NHS England, Professor Stephen Powis, highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating it marks "the first time in a generation" that such products are being made from UK donations.

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) estimates that by the end of 2025, nearly a quarter of the UK's demand for immunoglobulin and around 80% of the need for albumin will be met through domestic donations. This increased self-sufficiency is expected to significantly enhance the security of medicine supply for thousands of patients across the country.

David de Monteverde-Robb, a pharmacy lead and deputy chair of the East of England Immunoglobulin Assessment Panel, assured the public that "decades of careful monitoring" confirm the safety of UK-donated plasma. He further explained that rigorous additional treatment processes, including washing, filtering, and viral inactivation, ensure an "extremely low risk" of transmitting blood-borne infections.

Efforts are now focused on expanding the network of plasma donation centers in the UK to further increase domestic production and meet the needs of British patients.

Global Blood Plasma Derivatives Market Shows Strong Growth

The global market for blood plasma derivatives is experiencing significant expansion, driven by factors such as the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, advancements in plasma processing technologies, and an increasing geriatric population worldwide.

A recent report indicates that the global blood plasma derivatives market is projected to reach USD 75.9 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2025. This growth is fueled by the increasing demand for therapies treating hemophilia, immunodeficiency disorders, and autoimmune conditions.

Immunoglobulins currently hold the largest share of the market due to their crucial role in treating immune deficiencies and neurological disorders. However, the market for Factor VIII, used in hemophilia A treatment, is expected to be the fastest-growing segment in the coming years.

North America currently represents the largest regional market, accounting for a substantial share of global revenue. This is attributed to well-established healthcare infrastructure and a higher prevalence of relevant diseases. However, the Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit the highest growth rate during the forecast period, driven by improving healthcare ¹ infrastructure and rising awareness of plasma-derived therapies.   

Key players in the global blood plasma derivatives market are focusing on expanding their plasma collection capabilities, investing in research and development for innovative products, and entering into strategic collaborations to strengthen their market presence. Recent trends include the development of new purification techniques to enhance product safety and efficacy, as well as efforts towards achieving regional self-sufficiency in plasma production, as seen in the UK.

While the market presents significant opportunities, challenges such as stringent regulatory requirements, high production costs, and potential supply chain vulnerabilities remain important considerations for industry stakeholders.