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COVID-19 Websites of interest – update 22 April 2020

25 March 2020

Update 22 April 2020

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and plasma and plasma derived medicinal products

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus, is spreading all over the world.

Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.  Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease, it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol based rub frequently and not touching your face, and minimize contacts with other people.

COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that is transmitted by droplets and there is no evidence of its transmission by blood or plasma. However, it is important that the pandemic is monitored carefully since it might have an effect on future plasma supply.

Regarding the safety of plasma derived medicinal products (PDMPs), it is important to note that viral inactivation and elimination procedures employed in the manufacturing processes of PDMPs are sufficient to destroy lipid-enveloped viruses like COVID-19. The donation of blood and plasma continue to be safe process and at collection centers precautionary measures are taken to protect donors and personnel from COVID-19 transmission.

The need for plasma donations is a great as ever. The support of current and new donors remains critical to maintain an adequate supply of blood and plasma during the pandemic. No disruptions in plasma-derived product supplies have been detected to date.

IPFA is therefore monitoring global developments and a number of its members is contributing, scientifically and practically, in controlling the spread or contributing to the treatment of the disease.

IPFA members are active in different aspects on the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Regarding the diagnosis of COVID-19 disease, IPFA members are involved in developing and using PCR tests and serology tests in order to determine the presence of the virus and the developing of protective antibodies in donors, patients and the general population
  • A number of IPFA members are involved in collecting of COVID-19 convalescent plasma for the treatment of patients with anti-COVID-19 antibody rich plasma
  • IPFA fractionators have joined the alliance of global plasma leaders to collaborate on the development of potential COVID-19 hyperimmune immunoglobulin.

Below you will find links to a number of websites with further information. Further information will be provided as it becomes available.

 

IPFA members

Other organisations