Plasma industry history at a glance

The plasma industry started during World War II with the need for Plasma Derived Medicinal Products (PDMP). About 30 major plasma products are now commercially available, the most important of which are albumin, coagulation factors and immunoglobulin. Demand for these products is still growing, and these products have become particularly important not only in the treatment of diseases but also in global trade. The article is a brief overview on the evolution of plasma industry over the past eighty years.

This review was done by searching for articles in Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus databases, based on aspects of the evolution of the plasma industry, and the cost of producing plasma derivatives, from the beginning of this industry, from 1940 to 2021. Additionally, private sector entry and cost and benefit of viral deactivation processes in plasma industry was selected.

The plasma industry has experienced tremendous progress over the years and faced many problems, and despite advances in biotechnology, this industry is a unique necessity in the health of human societies. The production of plasma-derived pharmaceutical products is a complex activity and involves several stages of operational units.

There are many challenges and opportunities in the future of plasma industry. It seems that the emergence of new pathogens, the need for new PDMPs, and the potential to create new consumer markets, will be a challenge for plasma industry in the future. But the increasing demand can provide a good opportunity to change strategies and optimize consumption. The development of recombinant methods provides a good alternative to these products. In addition, the potential of using surplus plasma for local production provides an opportunity for developing countries.