Alpha-1 Europe Alliance participated in the 4th biennial joint Symposium on Plasma Collection and Supply organized by the International Plasma and Fractionation Association (IPFA) and the European Blood Alliance (EBA), held in the University Hall of Leuven, Belgium on 11-12 February 2026.
Representing the European Alpha-1 community, Flaminia Macchia, A1EA Policy Advisor, joined policymakers, blood establishments, manufacturers and experts to address the structural challenges facing plasma supply in Europe.
“For people living with Alpha-1 and other rare conditions, plasma is not an abstract policy issue — it is the basis of essential, life-sustaining treatment. Any vulnerability in supply directly translates into anxiety for patients and families.”
A growing structural tension
The IPFA–EBA Symposium on Plasma Collection and Supply highlighted a growing tension at the heart of Europe’s plasma system: there is strong political commitment to voluntary unpaid donation, together with structural dependence on external supply and rising demand.
A broad consensus reaffirmed voluntary unpaid donation as the ethical foundation of the European model. Concerns were raised that compensating donors could affect safety, quality, and the stability of the donor base. However, Europe remains heavily reliant on plasma imports, particularly from the United States, while demand continues to grow due to expanded indications and increased recognition of unmet needs, especially in rare diseases.
“Europe rightly values voluntary unpaid donation as a cornerstone of solidarity. But solidarity must also mean ensuring that patients can reliably access their treatment. Ethical principles and supply security must go hand in hand.”
National efforts and European coordination
At national level, countries are scaling up plasmapheresis centres, improving recruitment and retention, and developing self-sufficiency plans. However, differences in governance models, including public, hybrid, and dual public-private systems, show that increasing collection is a necessity but does not automatically secure domestic supply.
At EU level, plasma is increasingly framed as both a health security and industrial priority. The SoHO Regulation and the Critical Medicines Act aim to strengthen coordination, improve data systems, and support strategic manufacturing and procurement mechanisms.
The overarching message is clear: plasma self-sufficiency is no longer a technical issue but a strategic imperative for Europe. Europe must reconcile its approach to donation with the industrial and policy tools necessary to ensure long-term supply resilience for the benefit of European citizens.
Key highlights from the programme
Over two days, policymakers, blood establishments, manufacturers and experts gathered to discuss the future of plasma collection and plasma-derived medicinal products (PDMPs) in Europe.
- High-level opening session, including Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Frank Vandenbroucke.
- European outlook on PDMP demand, global plasma supply and implementation of the new SoHO Regulation.
- National plasma strategies, with country updates from across Europe and a panel discussion on collaboration and sustainability.
- Fractionation of plasma, with considerations applicable across different collection methods, including tender processes and contract manufacturing perspectives.
- Industry innovation session, showcasing advances in plasma technology, purification processes and donor screening.
- Public plasma collection topics, including pandemic preparedness, mobile collection, donor safety and ethics.
- Access to hyperimmunoglobulins, with updates from the European Commission and EDQM on Anti-D and supply challenges.
- Forward-looking panel discussion on preparedness and resilience in an unpredictable global landscape.
A message for the Alpha-1 community
For the Alpha-1 community, the overarching message is clear: plasma supply resilience is essential to safeguarding access to plasma-derived medicinal products.
“Patients with Alpha-1 depend on long-term treatment stability. Europe must reconcile its approach to donation with the policy and industrial tools necessary to ensure long-term supply resilience. Our community cannot afford uncertainty.”
The Symposium concluded with a renewed commitment among stakeholders to strengthen Europe’s plasma ecosystem – with the ultimate goal of ensuring sustainable, equitable access to essential therapies for all European citizens who depend on them.
