by History and Advancement of Plasma Protein Therapeutic Industry
Plasma protein therapeutic products play a vital role in treating numerous chronic and life-threatening medical conditions. Fractionation, the process of separating blood plasma into its protein components, allows doctors to isolate and concentrate valuable proteins that can be administered to those in need. Though the value of plasma therapies has long been recognized, significant advancements in fractionation techniques have led to broader applications and availability around the world.
Some of the earliest documented uses of Plasma Protein Therapeutic trace back to the late nineteenth century when doctors experimented with convalescent sera during infectious disease outbreaks. However, large-scale manufacturing and development of established plasma products had to wait for the mid-twentieth century. In the 1940s and 50s, pioneers like Edwin Cohn discovered reliable ethanol fractionation methods permitting the industrialization of immunoglobulin therapies. Products like albumin and coagulation factor VIII soon followed, enabling regular treatment for conditions like hemophilia.
Global Expansion of the Plasma Protein Therapeutic Industry
Today, the global plasma therapeutic industry supports patients in nearly 100 countries. Companies operating fractionation facilities have expansively increased collection and supply capacities over the past few decades. For example, CSL Behring’s facility in Kankakee, Illinois expanded from fractionating 500,000 liters of plasma annually in the 1970s to over 4 million liters presently. Similarly, Grifols increased its Spanish plant fractionation capacity from 1.5 million liters in 2000 to over 6 million liters currently.
This elevated production allows providers to keep pace with growing demand. Estimates suggest the market for plasma protein therapies could reach $32 billion by 2030 driven by approvals of new indications and rising diagnosis rates in developing regions gaining insurance coverage. To maintain steady supply, the industry has established partnerships with plasma donation centers worldwide catering to global populations. The availability of country-specific plasma products has also advanced, such as Chinese human normal immunoglobulin approved to treat primary immune deficiency domestically.
New Frontiers in Fractionation Science and Applications
Constant innovation now enables fractionators to isolate plasma components with unprecedented specificity and yield. The emergence of chromatography, a powerful separation method utilizing adsorbent resins, has enabled finer distinctions between proteins. Companies continuously optimize chromatography protocols to maximize desirable factor recovery during fractionation runs.
These refined techniques stimulate the development of next-generation plasma medicines. Recent approvals include CSL Behring’s Haegarda for hereditary angioedema and Takeda’s Takhzyro for prevention of attacks, expanding options beyond on-demand therapies. Scientists are also advancing recombinant protein production platforms to complement and diversify supply. For example, Octapharma utilizes a human cell line culture to manufacture Nuwiq, a non-donor derived recombinant FVIII for hemophilia A.
Looking ahead, researchers envision fractionating raredisease factors from plasma in micro quantities. Early efforts focus on iduronate-2-sulfatase for Hunter syndrome and agalsidase alfa/beta for Fabry disease. If successful, these “next-next-generation” products would give new rare disease patients access to life-changing therapies. Diagnostics are also improving to aid plasma collection optimization. Tests already detect plasma proteins linked to risk factors such as cardiovascular conditions, helping identify new opportunities for prevention and intervention.
Benefits of Plasma Protein Therapies Over Local and Regional Communities
Beyond medical innovation, today’s sophisticated fractionation industry cultivates social and economic benefits worldwide. Plasma donation provides supplemental income supporting community health and welfare particularly in developing countries. For example, the majority of plasma collected in China comes from its rural Central Plains provinces, generating an essential secondary source of funds. This infrastructure has lifted hundreds of thousands out of poverty.
In the United States as well, plasma centers function as local employers. CSL Plasma centers employ over 9,000 staff across more than 300 centers domestically. The company’s Kankakee facility alone sustains over 800 skilled manufacturing jobs. On a regional level, fractionation plants catalyze cluster development of biopharma expertise. For instance, Grifols’ investments in new Toronto fractionation facilities helped establish Canada’s biomanufacturing sector, attracting a host of plasma-reliant biotech startups and contract services nearby.
sustainable supply chains unite public-private partnerships across borders. Regional plasma fractionation supports both domestic healthcare needs as well as medical programs abroad. For example, Canadian Blood Services fractionates sufficient plasma to meet all of Canada’s needs while exporting albumin and immunoglobulin supplies for developing countries through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s program for tropical diseases. As a whole, the transfusion of life-saving proteins has become intertwined with socioeconomic progress worldwide. Through ongoing development and stewardship, this industry will hopefully transform medical care accessibility for all in the decades ahead.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public Source, Desk Research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Vaagisha Singh
Vaagisha brings over three years of expertise as a content editor in the market research domain. Originally a creative writer, she discovered her passion for editing, combining her flair for writing with a meticulous eye for detail. Her ability to craft and refine compelling content makes her an invaluable asset in delivering polished and engaging write-ups. LinkedIn
