Lachen/London – The National Health Service in the UK has given the green light to medicinal products developed on the basis of plasma donated in the UK for use in treatments. The medicines have been manufactured by Octapharma.

(CONNECT) Patients treated by the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK have received medicines developed on the basis of plasma donated in the UK. Octapharma, headquartered in Lachen in the canton of Schwyz, Switzerland, has been commissioned with the manufacturing of these medicines, as detailed in a press release issued by the pharmaceutical company. Octapharma agreed a corresponding wide-ranging partnership with the NHS back in 2023, making it the sole supplier for the plasma-derived medicinal products such as immunoglobulins and albumin

This is the first time in 30 years that NHS patients are receiving treatments on the basis of UK-donated plasma, Octapharma writes in the press release. This allows thousands of patients with immune deficiencies or chronic illnesses to be treated effectively. Furthermore, plasma-based medications are also used for trauma, burns, and post-surgery treatments.

“We’re incredibly proud of all the accomplishments achieved through this unique collaboration with the NHS and blood collection services since we were appointed sole manufacturer”, states Clare Worden, General Manager of Octapharma UK, in the press release. “Bringing this program to fruition is testament to our collective dedication, expertise and teamwork”, she adds. As the press release explains further, this will help to build a more resilient supply chain for patients throughout the country.

Sir Stephen Powis, National Medical Director of NHS England, is delighted by the fact that patients reliant on plasma-derived medicines will always have access to them. “Thanks to NHS efforts, new plasma-derived products, owned from start to finish by the UK, will reduce our reliance on imported stock and boost the fortitude of hospital supplies”. ce/ww