In the coming decade, it is expected that more European patients will need access to plasma-derived medicines.
Every year, more patients across the EU are diagnosed with life-threatening plasma protein-related disorders, such as immune deficiencies, immune-mediated peripheral neuropathies, hereditary angioedema, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiencies, haemophilia, and other bleeding disorders.
In many cases, plasma-derived medicines are the only option to treat these rare diseases. New indications, improved diagnostic techniques, greater use in Europe, and increased use in in cancer treatment-induced secondary immunodeficiency contribute to a growing clinical need.
Over the past 10 years, the use of immunoglobulins – some of the most used plasma-derived medicines – has almost doubled. With a yearly increase of about 8%, immunoglobulin usage increased from 32 tonnes in 2009 to 60 tonnes in 2019 (Marketing Research Bureau, 2019). This increase is driven by: innovations in medical research; improved and early diagnosis; extended patients’ lifespans due to timely treatments; and efforts to increase immunoglobulin usage in the Eastern EU countries, which is currently behind usage in the Western countries.
Today, almost 40% (5.15 million litres) of the plasma used to manufacture plasma-derived medicines for EU patients comes from the U.S. (Marketing Research Bureau, 2021).
European patients in need of plasma protein therapies (estimates)*
Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases (PIDs)
Haemophilia
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
Hereditary Angio-Oedema
These therapies are unique, biologic medicines derived from human plasma. They treat millions of patients worldwide who live with a variety of rare, life-threatening, chronic, genetic diseases, such as primary immunodeficiencies and haemophilia, and are used for medical emergencies, such as shock and burns.
About PPTA
The Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) is the global industry trade association representing the private sector manufacturers of plasma-derived and recombinant analogue therapies, collectively known as plasma protein therapies; and the collectors of source plasma used for fractionation to make plasma-derived medicines. PPTA also administers standards and programmes that help ensure the quality and safety of plasma protein therapies, donors, and patients.
PPTA Member and EU Manufacturing Sites

This map lists commercial manufacturing sites globally, with a focus on the EU, and non-commercial facilities in the EU. This map illustrates the strong manufacturing footprint of our sector.
In the European Union, there are 17 commercial and three non-profit facilities. Locations of plasma collection centers operated by PPTA members can be found here.