Pharmaceuticals Policy and Law - Volume 7, issue 0

Authors: Valverde, José Luis

Article Type: Other

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 1-3, 2006

Authors: Waller, Charles

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 7-19, 2006

Authors: Valverde, José Luís

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 21-33, 2006

Authors: Rouger, Philippe

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The analysis of Blood Transfusion operating modes in the European Union is meant to bring up an inventory enabling each country to shape up its development. This statement shows up huge differences between countries as much for donations as for blood usage. Differences are both qualitative and quantitative: 92% of blood donations are indeed carried out as mobile units in the UK vs 0% in Norway or Belgium. Considering the number of inhabitants, blood donation figures (whole …blood) in Finland are nearly twice (1,6) higher than in France. Also, numbers of donors and new donors are quite different: 29.6% in Spain and 9.8% in Austria. The discard rate for RBC's varies from 2.4% (in Sweden) to 9.5% (in Luxemburg). Age distribution for donations ranges from 17 to 69. Man/woman ratio is of 60/40 in Austria and Germany, 45/55 in the UK. Blood donation is non remunerated in most EU countries, except in Austria, Germany, Sweden… There is a great disparity re the use of Labile Blood Products in such countries as Germany (33% more than Italy) and Finland (50% more than France). The European Directive 2002/98/EC implementation will progressively improve the logical operating mode of Blood Transfusion in Europe. Other directives such as 2004/33/EC, 2005/61/EC and 2005/62/EC are expected to impact the technical aspects of donations, traceability, quality assurance and h�movigilance. Show more

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 37-48, 2006

Authors: Krause, K.

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 49-54, 2006

Authors: van Rhenen, Dick J.

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 55-62, 2006

Authors: Hutt, Edward

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Albumin, IVIG and clotting factors are among the most familiar products that are developed from human plasma. But there are many others that are of importance and that often go unnoticed. This article takes a detailed look at the lesser-known products and proteins so vital to thousands of people worldwide.

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 67-73, 2006

Authors: Hutt, Edward

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The term 'immunoglobulin' describes the structure and function of a class of proteins present in the body, and particularly in the blood: they are globular proteins which have a role in providing immunity, and are also known as 'antibodies'. Immunoglobulins can be classified both according to their content and to their mode of administration. Standard pooled immunoglobulin is derived from the plasma of unselected normal donors. It may be given intravenously (IV), in which case it …is known as IVIG (Ig being an abbreviation for immunoglobulin), or by the subcutaneous (SC) or intramuscular (IM) route: SCIg or IMIg. Hyperimmune immunoglobulins contain a high level of antibodies against specific pathogens. Donors have to be selected for, or inoculated to produce, high levels of reactivity. Their plasma is used to manufacture specific immunoglobulins to prevent or treat diseases such as hepatitis B, tetanus or haemolytic disease of the newborn in which rhesus incompatibility between the mother and her foetus can lead to the death of the baby. This article focuses on standard pooled preparations. The body responds to infections with a succession of steps. Firstly the large, broad acting IgM antibody is produced. Meanwhile white blood cells start producing the smaller, more specific IgG molecule in high quantities. It is this type of antibody which is the most prevalent in the blood, accounting for 70–75% of the total immunoglobulin pool. The other classes of antibodies are IgA, IgE and IgD. Antibodies are Y-shaped proteins that bind to antigens with both upper arms of the Y. Under normal conditions an antibody binds to an antigen (a bacterium, virus, or other pathogen) and "tags" it for destruction. Show more

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 75-77, 2006

Authors: Jacobson, Nicholas M.

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 81-87, 2006

Authors: Hodgson, Chris

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Haemophilia is an inherited genetic disorder causing bleeding mainly into the joints and muscles. It is carried through the mother to the son; however, one in three cases is a mutation with no previous history of haemophilia in the family. A misconception is if a person with haemophilia cuts themselves they will bleed to death. Whilst there is now good treatment available with clotting concentrates mainly in developed countries, the majority of people with haemophilia receive …little or no treatment, due largely to cost, in the rest of the world. Show more

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 91-92, 2006

Authors: Jolley, Dan

Article Type: Other

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 93-94, 2006

Authors: Smit, Cees

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 95-106, 2006

Authors: Pizzera, Bianca

Article Type: Other

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 107-111, 2006

Authors: Butler, Lisa

Article Type: Other

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 113-115, 2006

Authors: Hartl, Hubert K. | Herwig, Ralf

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Haemophilia is an x-chromosomal linked, hereditary lifelong disease which causes damages of bones and joints as well as early death. Per definition there are three different forms, the severe form (less than 1% of coagulation factor activity) demands regular substitution therapy with the missing coagulation factor. Haemophilia therapy developed since the 1960ies rapidly and today safe clotting factor concentrates are available, plasma – derived as well as recombinant. Nevertheless some 80% of the patients …affected do not receive treatment at all and only some 5 to 10% receive the so called "state of the art" treatment of their bleeding disorder. Non- viral- inactivated- clotting factor concentrates caused an epidemic of HIV/Aids within this population in the 1970ies and 1980ies, with deaths of some 50% (in some Haemophilia Treatment Centers even higher) of continuous treated patients. This fatal experience promoted research not only in gene- and biotechnology, but, despite of the early promises of the involved scientists and industries, a satisfying solution for Persons with Haemophilia is still missing. Today plasma derived clotting factor concentrates have to undergo various viral- inactivation- procedures, donor screening and pool- as well as final product testing is essential, strict legislation on blood safety issues became standard in most countries. Show more

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 119-123, 2006

Authors: Quinti, Isabella | Cagliuso, Maria | Fiorilli, Massimo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Medical knowledge on the clinical investigation of human normal immunoglobulin for intravenous administration and treatment regimens are in a state of continuous development. Due to recent achievements, the question arises whether the currently established indications and their respective posologies might require modification to more adequately reflect current clinical practice with intravenous or subcutaneous immunoglobulins as substitutive therapy in patients affected by primary and secondary immunodeficiencies and as immunomodulators in patients affected by …autoimmune disorders. In addition, immunoglobulin therapies used "off label" have proved beneficial and other possible inclusion will be expected in the next future. In this review we will identify the clinical and immunological benefits and limits of imunoglobulin treatments and outline the physician's persepective on this topic. Show more

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 125-133, 2006

Authors: Hutt, Edward

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Plasma products are used to treat a number of serious inherited disorders, of which the best known is haemophilia. However, a number of other conditions exist at a similar frequency in the population but are much less well known: Alpha 1-Antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency or 'Alpha-1' is one of these. Alpha-1 is a life-threatening genetic disorder in some individuals who demonstrate clinical evidence of emphysema. Left untreated, this form of emphysema can be fatal. Historically, people with …Alpha-1 have been concerned with the critical short supply of the therapy. Recent product approvals will provide the desperately needed product, so people with Alpha-1 can focus more on their lives and less on when their therapy will be available. Show more

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 135-140, 2006

Authors: Gajek, Hartwig

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 141-148, 2006

Authors: Silvester, Glenda

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 151-169, 2006

Authors: von Hoegen, Ilka | Gustafson, Mary

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 171-176, 2006

Authors: Watters, David

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 179-182, 2006

Authors: Grifols, Victor

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 185-198, 2006

Authors: Rankin, Peter

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 199-207, 2006

Authors: Burnouf, Thierry

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Human plasma is used to prepare essential therapeutic products with unique features compared to traditional pharmaceutical products and other biopharmaceuticals. The raw material is inherently unique due to its human origin. The need to fulfill strict collection practices and testing, and the shrinking population of eligible donors, limit plasma availability and influence greatly the economics of the whole plasma industry. Consolidation in the industry has amplified and is making access to plasma, a highly valuable …natural commodity, more difficult. In this industry, plasma has become the single most important factor of the cost of end-products. In addition, the fractionation of human plasma is a "cracking" process where manufacturing technologies must allow extracting an economically balanced portfolio of products with appropriate quality, safety, and recovery profiles. Over the years, although the size of production batches has generally increased (within limits accepted by regulatory authorities), the manufacturing costs of plasma products have increased as production methods have become more complex (in particular with the introduction of viral reduction treatments) and product recovery has been affected negatively (especially for coagulation factors). Therefore (a) ensuring the production of at least 3 to 4 products from each batch of plasma and (b) economies of scale have been leading to major consolidation in this industry to ensure appropriate allocation of plasma and manufacturing costs. Efforts need to be pursued to improve the efficiency of the fractionation process, improve proteins recovery, and expand the universe of ailments treatable by niche plasma products to enhance plasma utilization and cost-sharing potentials. Historically, the supply of plasma products has never met the global needs and has averaged a 20–80% deficiency. To date, the inherent economical requirement to ensure a production balance of at least 3 or 4 products from plasma implies that with current fractionation technologies and current reimbursement practices, shortage of market-leading products, like immunoglobulins or alpha 1-antitrypsin, will continue if not worsen. Show more

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 209-218, 2006

Authors: Rautonen, Jukka

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 221-224, 2006

Authors: von Auer, Friedger

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 225-231, 2006

Authors: Betts, Jonathan P.

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 233-241, 2006

Authors: Rinaldi, Giovanni

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 243-253, 2006

Authors: Rouger, Philippe

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The French transfusion organization is based on principles and structures; the principles are: voluntary, anonymous, non-remunerated donations, focussing on self-sufficiency. There are three structures: the EFS (Etablissement Français du Sang – French Blood Establishment), for labile blood products; the LFB (Laboratoire Français du Fractionnement et des Biotechnologies – French Laboratory for Fractionation and Biotechnologies), for blood derivatives; the INTS (Institut National de la Transfusion Sanguine – Blood Transfusion National Institute) for …activities such as Reference, Research, Education & Training. The French health policy aims at defending ethics and self-sufficiency for all human blood derivatives. The French self-sufficiency is limited to cellular products as France is considered a rare user compared with other European countries � its annual growth rate is of about 1% only. Situation looks quite different with blood derivatives: between 2001 and 2004, consumptions of albumin, clotting factors, and immunoglobulins have shown an average annual increasement of 6.1% to 9.7%. All these elements have to be appreciated bearing in mind that beyond the 10 years ahead no substitute at all will be able to replace the human blood, making it a full necessity. Show more

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 255-259, 2006

Authors: Bult, Jan M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Plasma protein therapies are either manufactured using human plasma as starting material or through the use of alternative technologies to produce recombinant plasma protein therapies. Most of the chapter is written with a focus on the plasma that is used for the manufacture of stable therapies.

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 263-269, 2006

Authors: Prévot, Johan

Article Type: Other

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 273-282, 2006

Article Type: Other

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 285-289, 2006

Article Type: Other

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 291-310, 2006

Article Type: Other

Citation: Pharmaceuticals, Policy and Law, vol. 7, no. 0, pp. 311-327, 2006