Rep. Matsui Recognizes International Plasma Awareness Week

Plasma—the straw-colored liquid portion of blood—contains proteins which are necessary for carrying out critical functions in the human body, such as antibodies to fight diseases and clotting factors to regulate bleeding. If a person has insufficient levels of any one plasma protein, his or her body cannot carry out these vital functions, causing a variety of chronic and life-threatening medical conditions.

Plasma protein therapies, which include plasma-derived therapies and recombinant analogs, are used to treat chronic, life-threatening diseases including bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia), hereditary angioedema, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, primary immune deficiencies, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and certain rare neurological disorders. In addition, these therapies are used in emergency and surgical medicine.

IPAW, celebrated October 8-14, is sponsored by the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) and its member companies, and is designed to: 

• Raise global awareness about plasma donation
• Recognize the contributions of plasma donors in saving and improving lives
• Increase understanding about lifesaving plasma protein therapies and rare diseases

PPTA is grateful for Congresswoman Matsui's continued and long-standing support of plasma donors who help to make orphan drugs that treat the rare disease community. She is a champion of rare diseases and access to care issues, with an important focus on primary immunodeficiency disease (PID) patients. Rep. Matsui co-authored and advocated for the passage of the Medicare IVIG Access Act, which allows PID patients to receive lifesaving therapies in their homes. People living with PID and other conditions now live longer, more productive lives thanks to Rep. Matsui's dedication and the efforts of plasma donors around the world.

"The Source plasma industry appreciates Congresswoman Matsui's continued support of patient access to plasma protein therapies. Her recognition of the lifesaving role of source plasma donors to help patients live productive lives is exemplified by her statement in the Congressional Record," said Joshua Penrod, PPTA Vice President, Source and International Affairs.

About PPTA
The Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA), a global industry trade association, represents the private sector manufacturers of plasma-derived and recombinant analog therapies, collectively known as plasma protein therapies and the collectors of source plasma used for fractionation. Millions of people use these therapies worldwide to treat a variety of diseases and serious medical conditions. PPTA also administers standards and programs that help ensure the quality and safety of plasma protein therapies, donors and patients.

SOURCE Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA)

Related Links

http://www.pptaglobal.org