October 13, 2021
Grifols increases access to plasma-derived therapies as part of its commitment to donors and patients
- For the month of October, Grifols supports International Plasma Awareness Week (IPAW), an initiative organized by the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) to raise global plasma awareness and the vital role of donors
- In September, Grifols announced it entered into an agreement to acquire Tiancheng (Germany) Pharmaceutical Holdings for EUR 1,100 million, the largest owner of Biotest AG. An alliance that will boost the availability of plasma-derived medicines and increase access for patients
- Grifols welcomes the promising post-hoc analysis recently published by Biotest AG on the efficacy of trimodulin1 (IgM concentrate) in a relevant subgroup of severely ill COVID-19 patients
- In recent quarters, Grifols has expanded and diversified its access to plasma, as well as reinforced its plasma-center leadership, with 350 plasma donation centers across the United States and Europe
Barcelona, October 13, 2021 – Grifols has led several actions in recent quarters to reinforce its commitment to donors and patients and increase access to plasma-derived therapies.
This commitment is mirrored by raising our voice supporting the PPTA’s International Plasma Awareness Week (IPAW); the recent investment in Biotest AG to increase patients’ access to plasma therapies; and its ongoing efforts to widen and diversify its global network of plasma collection centers.
Celebrating the International Plasma Awareness Week: A clear responsibility to donors and patients
In light of plasma’s essential role in global health care, Grifols recognizes the vital role of plasma donors, whose commitment and generosity make plasma-derived therapies possible. The company spearheads a range of donor activities in its countries of operation, with the aim of forging long-lasting ties with donors.
For the month of October, Grifols and the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) have joined forces for International Plasma Awareness Week (IPAW), a global initiative to recognize the contribution of plasma donors and their role in improving patients’ health and wellbeing. IPAW also aims to raise awareness of plasma-derived medicines and their use in treating life-threatening conditions.
Grifols acquires the largest shareholder of Biotest AG to increase patients’ access to plasma-derived medicines
Grifols closed an agreement with Tiancheng International Investment Ltd in September to acquire 100% of its shares in Tiancheng Pharmaceutical Holdings AG, owner of 89.88% of Biotest’s ordinary shares and 1.08% of its preferred shares for EUR 1.1 billion. This transaction further underscores Grifols’ commitment to increase patients’ access to plasma-based medicines around the world.
Through this alliance, Biotest and Grifols both fulfill their overriding missions of promoting the global availability of plasma-derived therapies.
This acquisition will significantly reinforce Grifols’ industry capabilities by enhancing its plasma-derived medicines access, pipeline and sales presence, and will provide access to new scientific and industrial capabilities.
In parallel, Grifols will expand and diversify its plasma sourcing by adding 26 European plasma centers to its network and bolstering its operations and revenues in the EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) region.
Biotest AG identifies benefits of trimodulin in a relevant subgroup of hospitalized COVID-19 patients
Less than one month after announcing the investment, Grifols welcomes Biotest’s recent and promising results: the analysis of the complete data set of ESsCOVID (Escape from severe COVID-19) trial revealed efficacy of trimodulin (IgM concentrate) in a relevant subgroup of severely ill COVID-19 patients.
The detailed post-hoc analyses revealed a notable benefit in a relevant subgroup of hospitalized patients with early systemic inflammation. In this subgroup of 96 COVID-19 patients, trimodulin markedly reduced the progression and mortality of patients compared to the placebo group.
Grifols’ expansion plasma centers: A competitive advantage
Today, more than ever, Grifols has a competitive advantage thanks to the execution of its comprehensive strategy aimed at building a global and diversified plasma-center network.
The company boasts a network of more than 350 plasma centers that deliver an unparalleled capacity to secure plasma. More than 50 centers are located in Europe, with plans to open 10 in Egypt by year-end. At the same time, Grifols’ alliances in China, through Shanghai RAAS, and Canada further diversify its plasma sourcing, while promoting the self-sufficiency of these countries.
Throughout 2020 and 2021, Grifols accelerated the execution of its plasma-supply expansion plan through the acquisition of several plasma-collection centers and establishment of various supply agreements. These transactions have allowed the company to enlarge its capacity by approximately 1.9 million additional liters of plasma per year.
In parallel, Grifols continues to optimize supply chain efficiencies through ongoing operational improvements and robust inventory management.