Octapharma celebrates a historic milestone as NHS patients begin receiving medicines made from UK-donated plasma for the first time in nearly three decades. Plasma-derived medicinal products (PDMPs), including immunoglobulins and albumin, are essential for thousands of UK patients with chronic diseases and immune deficiencies. These life-saving treatments are also used in emergency care for critically ill patients following trauma, burns, or surgery.¹²³⁴

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), in collaboration with NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) and NHS England (NHSE), has confirmed that Octapharma-manufactured medicines have now reached patients—a major achievement for both the company and the Plasma for Medicines (PfM) programme.

In 2023, NHS England appointed Octapharma as the sole manufacturer for the PfM programme, supplying immunoglobulins and albumin derived from UK-donated plasma to the NHS until at least 2030.⁵ While Octapharma has long provided the NHS with medicines made from imported plasma, this marks the first time it has produced treatments using donations from within the UK.

Building a More Resilient Supply Chain

Clare Worden, General Manager, Octapharma UK, said:
"We are incredibly proud of what has been accomplished through this unique collaboration with the NHS and blood collection services since our appointment as sole manufacturer. Bringing this programme to life reflects our shared commitment, expertise, and teamwork.

"This landmark initiative strengthens the resilience of the UK’s supply chain, reducing dependence on medicines made from imported plasma."

Sir Stephen Powis, National Medical Director, NHS England, added:
"This milestone ensures that patients who rely on plasma-derived medicines have secure and uninterrupted access to vital treatments.

"Thanks to NHS efforts, new plasma-derived products—fully sourced and produced within the UK—will reduce our reliance on imported stock and bolster hospital supply chains.

"Thousands of people with serious and life-threatening conditions, including immunodeficiencies and neurological disorders, depend on these treatments. Strengthening the domestic supply of plasma-derived medicines will help NHS clinicians ensure their availability for all who need them."

Dr Jo Farrar, Chief Executive of NHS Blood and Transplant, highlighted the role of donors:
"Thanks to the generosity of our donors, NHS patients are now receiving medicines made from UK plasma for the first time in a generation.

"Plasma makes up 55% of our blood and contains antibodies crucial for stabilising the immune system. It saves lives in cases of trauma, childbirth complications, and helps thousands of patients with life-limiting conditions such as immune deficiencies."

A Long-Awaited Return to UK Plasma Use

The use of UK plasma for manufacturing immunoglobulins and albumin was prohibited in 1998 due to concerns over variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD).⁶⁷ Since then, UK patients have relied on medicines made from imported plasma, primarily from the US. However, rising global demand for immunoglobulins, coupled with declining plasma donations, has placed increasing strain on supply chains—a challenge further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.⁷⁸

Following a thorough review in 2021, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the independent Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) confirmed that UK plasma could once again be used for immunoglobulin production, with the ban on using UK plasma for albumin lifted in 2023.⁴⁹

Octapharma’s Global Expertise in Plasma-Derived Medicines

As one of the world’s largest human protein manufacturers, Octapharma’s portfolio of plasma-derived medicines has supported millions of patients worldwide—ranging from those with chronic conditions such as haemophilia, immune deficiencies, and autoimmune disorders to critically ill trauma and emergency surgery patients.¹⁰

This milestone marks a new era for the UK’s healthcare system, reinforcing national self-sufficiency in plasma-derived medicines while ensuring that NHS patients receive the critical treatments they need.