CSL Plasma, the plasma collection business of global biotherapeutics leader CSL Behring, today began a new era in plasma donations, collecting its first plasma donations using leading-edge plasma collection technology that is expected to significantly reduce average collection time – by approximately one-third – and improve the donor experience.
The Rika Plasma Donation System, only available at CSL Plasma and developed by Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, is designed to reduce collection time, and improve the donor and operator experience. When considering prior average CSL Plasma donation procedure times, this could represent about a 30% reduction in average donation time for donors.
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The new plasmapheresis system first launched today in the Aurora, Colorado, CSL Plasma location, as part of a phased rollout to CSL Plasma U.S. collection centers. Plasma collected at CSL Plasma facilities is used in the manufacturing of lifesaving plasma-derived therapies.
“Today marks a threshold moment for plasma donors following years of dedication, innovation and collaboration – demonstrating how we are driven by our promise in delivering lifesaving and life-extending therapies to patients around the world,” said CSL Chief Operating Officer Paul McKenzie. “We look forward to the positive impact this new technology brings and are thankful for plasma donors who continue to do the amazing every day when they donate at CSL Plasma.”
CSL Plasma believes features of the new Rika system can enable the collection of more plasma, in shorter periods of time, supporting quality and safety, and, ultimately, better serving patients who rely on plasma-based therapies.
One of the first plasma donors to experience the Rika system, Kelly Geiser is a resident of the Denver area. She has donated plasma since 2017, and is a Platinum level donor as part of CSLPlasma’s donor loyalty program, iGive Rewards®.
Geiser appreciated that she was able to complete the donation procedure with the new technology in under 35 minutes and in the fastest donation time she has experienced, while every plasma donor’s experience will vary. Donating plasma is also personal for Geiser, who says that therapies made from plasma have helped her and her family, including a parent who recently underwent emergency surgery.
“It feels good knowing I’m helping people and, who knows, I might’ve helped somebody I know,” said Geiser.
According to Terumo BCT, benefits of the Rika Plasma Donation System include:
- Rika completes one plasma collection in 35 minutes or less on average. The proprietary design of the system’s centrifuge maximizes the plasma yield per cycle.
- The Rika Plasma Donation System was designed to allow no more than 200 milliliters of blood cells outside the donor’s body, resulting in a low extracorporeal volume, which may contribute to a more comfortable donor experience.
- With less than 200 milliliters of blood cells outside the donor’s body at any given time, should the initial procedure not be completed, the donor can return and donate without being deferred.