March 18, 2026
Plasma-derived medicines are therapies created from proteins found in human plasma, the liquid portion of blood. These therapies are used to treat a wide range of serious and often rare medical conditions, including primary immunodeficiencies, hemophilia, trauma-related bleeding, neurological disorders, and certain respiratory conditions. In addition to treating rare, chronic conditions, plasma-derived medicines are also used in everyday medical situations. Plasma-derived medicines are used to treat shock, severe burns, and massive blood loss and can help stabilize patients in intensive care units. Plasma-derived medicines are used in hospitals every day to control bleeding and manage infections in transplant patients.
Unlike many traditional pharmaceuticals, plasma-derived medicines cannot be manufactured synthetically. They depend entirely on plasma donations from healthy individuals. Because production is complex and can take up to one year, maintaining a steady and reliable plasma supply is critical to ensuring patients receive uninterrupted treatment.
For many patients, plasma therapies are not optional, they are essential for survival, disease management, and quality of life. Plasma-derived medicines are critical because they replace or supplement essential human proteins that the body cannot make on its own — or cannot make in sufficient amounts — when people are sick, injured, or genetically unable to do so. For many patients, there is no alternative therapy. Increased awareness of plasma donation helps ensure continued access to these lifesaving treatments.
Learn more about plasma-derived medicines and their impact on patients.