September 17, 2025 – Washington, D.C. – International Plasma Awareness Week (IPAW) will take place globally from October 6-10. The week encourages communities around the world to recognize the vital role of plasma in creating lifesaving medicines and honors those who donate. This year’s initiative will debut a new global theme — “Plasma Powers Possibility” — which shines a light on both plasma medicines life enabling impact, and in creating opportunities and community for generous donors.
Plasma, a component of blood, is essential in producing treatments for a variety of serious health conditions including immune deficiencies, bleeding disorders, severe burns, and more. It is also used in everyday health care settings such as during surgeries, childbirth, and organ transplants. The need for plasma-derived medicines continues to rise as science reveals new uses and indications. With hundreds of thousands of patients depending on these unique therapies globally, the importance of plasma donation is vital.
“International Plasma Awareness Week is a powerful reminder of how one donation can change a life,” stated Anita Brikman, President and CEO of the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association. “It’s a time to honor the compassion of donors and to raise awareness about the critical role plasma plays in modern medicine.”
“I always encourage anyone who says they are considering donating plasma, because it’s truly lifesaving,” says Laura Rohe, a patient living with an immunodeficiency and an infusion nurse based in Omaha, Neb. “I tell people that you can't make plasma in a laboratory – we rely on the thousands and thousands of donors that give us the circulating antibodies to protect us and keep us healthy. Anyone who donates is giving an amazing gift.”
“For many of my patients with immune deficiencies, access to plasma-derived medicines such as immunoglobulin is absolutely essential,” said Dr. Michael Keller, a pediatric immunologist at Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C. “The antibodies derived from generous plasma donors that help create these unique therapies not only prevent life-threatening infections but also allow patients to thrive, attend school, and live more normal lives. Ensuring reliable access is not just important, it's critical.”
To celebrate the true meaning of IPAW and showcase its global impact, PPTA is partnering with the GBS/CIDP Foundation International to bring patients from around the world to a plasma donation center in Berlin, Germany to meet and thank donors. This rare and meaningful encounter allows donors to witness the real-world impact of their generosity and gives patients the chance to express heartfelt gratitude directly to the individuals whose donations make their treatment possible. This visit will be a reminder of the powerful connection that is at the heart of every plasma donation. The visit will be showcased on PPTA’s social media later this week using the hashtags #IPAW2025 and #PlasmaPowersPossibility.
In the United States, a patient-led webinar will be held on October 6, entitled “The Patient Experience in the U.S.: Access to Plasma-Derived Medicines,” featuring patients who will share their treatment journeys, the barriers they’ve faced, and the positive changes made possible by plasma medicines. The webinar is free to attend, and registration is open at this link.
During IPAW and beyond, PPTA encourages all healthy adults over the age of 18 to consider giving the gift of life through plasma donation. Please visit www.pptaglobal.org/donate to learn more and find a donation center near you. To learn more about IPAW 2025 and download digital resources and toolkits, visit www.plasmaweek.org.