NHS Patients Receive UK-Sourced Plasma Medicines After 25 Years

For the first time in 25 years, NHS patients across the UK are receiving life-saving medicines made from locally donated blood plasma, significantly reducing the reliance on imported treatments. Plasma, which constitutes 55% of blood, contains vital antibodies that are crucial for patients with serious conditions, notably through the production of immunoglobulin. Blood donors in various regions, including Merseyside, Essex, and the North East, have supplied thousands of liters of plasma, enough to create tens of thousands of bottles of immunoglobulin, which can save or improve lives annually. This historic development comes amidst a global shortage of plasma medicines, prompting the NHS to build its own supply after years of dependency on imports. Patients like four-year-old Ruby Harris have benefited from these treatments, underscoring the importance of blood donation. The NHS aims to foster self-sufficiency in plasma medicine production to ensure consistent availability and reduce costs associated with imports.