Representatives of the Alpha-1 Europe Alliance participated in the International Plasma Protein Congress 2026, held in Milan, Italy, from 28–29 April, joining over 350 stakeholders from across the global plasma community.
Hosted by the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association, this leading annual congress brought together industry leaders, policymakers, healthcare professionals, donors, and patient advocates to exchange insights and strengthen collaboration across the plasma-derived medicinal products (PDMPs) ecosystem.
During the congress, Flaminia Macchia, A1EA Policy advisor, represented the Alliance on the panel “Plasma collection in Europe: How to secure Europe’s future”, ensuring that the patient perspective remained central to discussions on plasma supply and access. Moderated by journalist Vasiliki Angouridi, the session also featured contributions from Pierre Tiberghien, President of the European Blood Alliance, and Christian Scherr, Head of BioLife EU/EPA Chair at Takeda.
The session convened key European stakeholders to explore how to build more resilient plasma collection systems, address supply-demand gaps, and ensure equitable access to therapies across Member States. Discussions also highlighted the importance of the SoHO Regulation in strengthening plasma systems across Europe.
“We need a dual ethical approach: protecting donors, as recognised in the SoHO Regulation, while also ensuring that treatments remain available for patients. Both are equally important.”
The Alliance also used the opportunity to strengthen connections with partners and stakeholders across the plasma community. Frank Willersinn, Board member of A1EA, attended in person, engaging with key organisations and reinforcing the importance of collaboration to improve access to plasma-derived therapies, including augmentation treatments for people living with Alpha-1 in Europe.
Recognition for advancing AATD research and care
A key highlight of IPPC 2026 was the recognition of Professor Noel Gerard McElvaney, who received the Joachim Hilfenhaus Award for his outstanding contributions to Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD).
His work has been instrumental in advancing understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of this rare genetic condition, including establishing Europe’s first national targeted detection programme and patient registry, as well as founding the Alpha-1 Foundation of Ireland and the national Alpha-1 Research unit. Through leadership roles within international collaborations such as EARCO (European Alpha-1 Research Collaboration), Professor McElvaney has helped shape global research strategies, while his translational research has driven breakthroughs in therapies and clinical care for people living with AATD, ultimately improving outcomes and raising the profile of the condition within the wider field of plasma protein deficiencies.
About IPPC 2026
The International Plasma Protein Congress 2026 provided a dynamic platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration across the plasma sector. Discussions focused on strengthening medical supply chains, improving global patient access, and ensuring a sustainable and ethical plasma ecosystem — from donor to patient.
This year’s congress once again highlighted the importance of partnership and patient-centred approaches in addressing current and future challenges in the PDMP landscape.
The Alpha-1 Europe Alliance extends its sincere thanks to the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association for hosting this important forum and fostering meaningful discussions on access, safety, and sustainability.
