- ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Sept. 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) and its member companies are sponsoring the third annual International Plasma Awareness Week, October 11-17.
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International Plasma Awareness Week (IPAW) is designed to:
PPTA member companies have planned a variety of activities at plasma collection facilities in the U.S. and Europe. In addition, patient organizations representing individuals who rely on plasma protein therapies that treat rare diseases have pledged their support.
"Patients throughout the world rely on plasma protein therapies which are developed through the generosity and commitment of plasma donors. PPTA is proud of the contributions industry makes to saving and improving lives," said Joshua Penrod, PPTA Vice President, Source and International Affairs.
Plasma protein therapies, which include plasma-derived therapies and recombinant analogs, are used to treat chronic, life-threatening diseases including bleeding disorders, primary immune deficiencies, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and certain rare neurological disorders. In addition, these therapies are used in emergency and surgical medicine.
There are more than 500 plasma collection facilities in Canada, Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Germany, and the U.S. In addition to meeting regulatory requirements, the majority of these centers have achieved International Quality Plasma Program certification, PPTA's voluntary standards program that provides global leadership for the industry's goal of continuous improvement with a focus on safety and quality from the donor to the patient.
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.
