Are There More Plasma Shortages in Our Future?

We recently covered the news that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced an immediate reversal of a policy regarding permissible activities Mexican nationals with B1/B2 visas. Meaning, they are no longer allowed to donate plasma. Now, many individuals who rely on plasma donations and organizations who support them are worried that these restrictions on plasma donation will lead to immunoglobulin (Ig) shortages. 

Recently, Specialty Pharmacy Continuum shared an article on these concerns, addressing how shortage is looming in the future of the U.S., especially as the U.S. is the largest supplier of plasma in the world and other countries are already starting to see shortages. 

Over the last few years, the Immune Deficiency Foundation has been addressing the ongoing Ig shortage we are facing. IDF has been in touch with stakeholders on all sides of this ongoing issue, including patients, physicians, hospital leadership across the country, pharmaceutical manufacturers, public health officials and leaders from other patient communities impacted by this shortage.

The goal of Plasma Hero is to raise awareness of the growing need for plasma donations. We're looking for heroes to step up and make a difference. It feels as though we say this often, but now more so than ever before, those who rely on plasma-derived therapies to live their lives are in dire need of heroes. 

Supply for plasma continues to be tight both in the U.S. and around the world. The single most important, useful thing we can all do is to encourage plasma donation and celebrate plasma donors as the true heroes that they are. How will you make a difference? Will you donate plasma? Will you encourage friends, family, and coworkers to donate? Will you share articles and information about plasma donation and the ongoing plasma shortage to social media to raise awareness? Whatever you do, now is your chance to be a hero.

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