Milan, Italy — April 27, 2026 — The Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) today announced the awarding of a grant to Associazione Immunodeficienze Primitive (AIP). This initiative aims to further the organization’s important, local efforts on advocacy, education, and awareness initiatives for lifesaving plasma-derived medicines. The grant was formally presented during a meeting of PPTA members and AIP representatives in Milan.
This funding will enable AIP to expand its longstanding efforts to improve the lives of individuals living with primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs), a group of rare and often underdiagnosed conditions that require timely access to essential therapies, including immunoglobulin treatments derived from human plasma.
Founded in 1991 by patients, families, and physicians, AIP has grown into a leading national organization dedicated to supporting the Italian PID community. Through decades of collaboration with health care professionals, rare disease networks, and international partners, AIP has played a pivotal role in improving standards of care, promoting early diagnosis, and ensuring equitable access to treatment across Italy.
“The support from PPTA represents a significant step forward in strengthening awareness and understanding of plasma-derived therapies,” said Alessandro Segato, AIP President. “This grant will allow us to further empower patients and families, while continuing to advocate for timely diagnosis and access to lifesaving treatments. We are grateful to PPTA for its continued support and commitment to patient wellbeing.”
AIP has been instrumental in developing educational resources for patients and health care providers, establishing a national network of specialized treatment centers, and advocating for policies that ensure access to both intravenous and subcutaneous immunoglobulin therapies under Italy’s national health system.
“The work of AIP exemplifies the critical role of local, grassroots patient organizations in advancing care and awareness for rare diseases,” said Anita Brikman, PPTA President & CEO. “We are proud to support AIP's mission and their continued efforts to ensure that patients across Italy can access the lifesaving plasma-derived therapies they need.”
A special event held at IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele in Milan preceded the grant presentation and brought together clinicians, researchers, patient advocates, industry, and community members. The hospital, which served as the venue for this exchange, is a Regional Reference Center of Lombardy for the diagnosis and care of primary immunodeficiencies, including treatment with innovative therapies, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing the challenges faced by individuals with PIDs.
The courtesy visit at San Raffaele Hospital was sponsored by Kedrion, an Italian biopharmaceutical company operating worldwide and specializing in plasma‑derived therapies. “Supporting initiatives that increase awareness and encourage constructive engagement is part of our long‑standing commitment to the primary and secondary immunodeficiencies patient communities, and to more patient‑centered and sustainable models of care,” said Ferdinando Borgese, Kedrion Vice-President for Intercontinental Commercial Operations.
About the Associazione Immunodeficienze Primitive
AIP is an Italian patient organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by primary immunodeficiencies. Established in 1991, AIP works to improve diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life through advocacy, education, and collaboration with national and international partners. Learn more at www.aip-it.org.
About the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA)
The Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) is a dynamic trade association that represents a unique sector of the biologics and biotechnology industry. PPTA represents more than 1,100 human plasma collection centers in North America and Europe, as well as the manufacturers of lifesaving plasma protein therapies. Our members produce approximately 80% of the plasma protein therapies in the U.S. and 60% of those manufactured in Europe.