Plasma: The Hidden Medicine That Saves Lives
Season 5 – Episode 6
with Dr. Anita Brikman
Listen to the eXpand Podcast and join experts clinicians as we dive into chronic lung diseases and eXpand your practice.
Welcome to a new episode of Season 5 of the Expand Podcast, where we explore the latest knowledge on Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) and related respiratory conditions like COPD and asthma.
About this Episode
In this episode, we speak with Anita Brickman, CEO of the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA), about the crucial and often misunderstood role of plasma-derived therapies in respiratory health. The discussion highlights how essential plasma donors are for the creation of life-saving medicines used to treat Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) and other rare, chronic conditions. Together, we explore the rigorous global safety standards, the difference between plasma-derived therapies and traditional drugs, and the ongoing challenge of meeting the growing worldwide need for plasma donations.
Today You Will Learn:
- Why plasma donation is a critical necessity and lifeline for creating essential, life-saving therapies.
- How plasma is used to create augmentation therapy to slow the progression of lung disease in AATD.
- The rigorous, multi-step safety process that ensures the quality of plasma-derived medicines, from donor screening to viral deactivation.
- The growing worldwide need for plasma, driven by better diagnosis and patients with rare disorders living longer.
- The difference between plasma-derived therapies and traditional drugs.
- Resources available from the Alpha-1 Foundation and PPTA for more information on AATD and donation.
Our Special Guest
Anita Brikman is the President and CEO of the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA), representing over 1,100 plasma collection centers and manufacturers of lifesaving plasma protein therapies in North America and Europe. With a strong background in healthcare communications, advocacy, and public affairs, Anita previously held senior leadership roles at the Consumer Healthcare Products Association and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. She also spent over two decades as a medical reporter and news anchor in major U.S. markets. Anita holds a B.Sc. in Mass Communications from Miami University and currently serves on the Board of Directors for CADCA.
Resources to go Deeper
- Living Well with COPD – AATD Module: Create your free account to access our new interactive COPD modules (updated April 2025). Register now
- Learn more about AATD.
- Plasma Week.
- Alpha-1.
- PPTA Global.
- Canadian Thoracic Society AATD Guidelines: Read the latest clinical recommendations. View the full article
- AlphaNet Canada: A patient organization offering education, peer support, and advocacy. Visit site
- AlphaNet Canada Patient Registry: Learn about the Canadian initiative linked to EARCO. Visit registry page
- EARCO Registry: Explore the European Alpha-1 Research Collaboration. View EARCO
RESPIPLUS™ received support from Takeda Canada to develop an informative podcast series specifically tailored to AATD. This initiative aims to:
- Educate healthcare professionals about the latest advancements in AATD management
- Empower patients with accurate information on accessing resources within the Canadian system
- Foster a supportive community for individuals living with AATD
Collaborating Organizations
This podcast series was developed with the valuable collaboration of several organizations committed to improving care and awareness for individuals living with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD):
- AlphaNet Canada: Supporting patients through education, advocacy, and peer support.
- Innomar: An organization that specializes in helping patients access complex therapies across Canada.
- PPTA: The leading global organization advocating for plasma donation and ensuring the availability of life-saving plasma-based treatments.
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