A new OHE study, funded and commissioned by argenx, finds rising demand, import dependence and increasing costs may strain the UK’s future supply of immunoglobulin.
- New research shows the UK may struggle to maintain sustainable access to immunoglobulin (Ig), a plasma-derived medicine used by nearly 17,000 NHS patients, in the long-term.
- The UK is highly reliant on imports of Ig: Approximately 80% of UK supply is imported, manufactured predominantly from US-sourced plasma, making domestic supply highly susceptible to supply chain disruption.
- Securing future supply requires four targeted actions: optimising procurement; sustaining clinical stewardship; scaling domestic plasma collection; enabling access to innovative, alternative, therapies that demonstrate clinical- and cost-effectiveness.
During International Plasma Awareness Week, new research published by the Office of Health Economics, funded and commissioned by argenx, finds that rising demand, import dependence and increasing costs may strain the UK’s future supply of immunoglobulin (Ig) [1]. Ig, a plasma-derived medication, is used to treat more than 50 conditions in the UK, including in immunology, haematology, neurology, and infectious diseases [2].
Despite making considerable progress in securing supply, the report highlights the UK remains less self-sufficient than comparable European countries, collecting approximately 4.4 litres of plasma per 1,000 people against a European average of 14 litres [3]. Currently, 80% of UK supply is imported [2], mainly from US-sourced plasma [4]. NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is aiming for 30–35% self-sufficiency by 2030. This ambitious target still leaves roughly two-thirds of NHS demand relying on imports [2].
UK demand for Ig has grown by approximately 30% since 2015 and is projected to continue rising, driven by improved diagnosis, widening clinical eligibility and secondary antibody deficiencies [1]. In 2024/25 alone, 16,709 patients in the UK received Ig therapy [5] – many of these patients require lifelong treatment and have no alternative therapeutic options. For these patients, delayed or reduced access due to future supply issues could lead to forced formulation switches or changes to less suitable treatments—each carrying potential clinical and psychological risks.
Three interrelated pressures are expected to intensify over the next decade, according to the report’s authors: volume pressure, driven by the underlying growth in need; economic pressure, influenced by rising acquisition costs and global pricing dynamics; and health system pressure, due to constrained capacity to deliver treatment.
To safeguard long-term supply, the report sets out four complementary policy responses that address different aspects of the sustainability challenge and require clear national ambition, sustained investment and longer lead times:
- In the short term, strengthening NHS procurement practices for both intravenous and subcutaneous immunoglobulin—to stabilise prices and mitigate supply risk as demand grows.
- Building on the UK’s well-established clinical stewardship to keep Ig use clinically appropriate and equitable, without unnecessarily restricting patient access.
- In the long-term, accelerating the uptake of clinically appropriate and evidence-based alternatives to Ig could reduce overall demand, protecting plasma products for indications where no alternative treatment options exist.
- Investment in domestic plasma collection capacity to insulate the NHS from global price and supply shocks.
This study brought together evidence from economic modelling and a targeted literature review to assess the future of Ig sustainability in the UK. The authors also convened a multi-stakeholder roundtable to validate and enrich findings, including participants from NHS Blood and Transplant, the NHS Immunoglobulin Policy Working Group, clinicians in immunology, neurology and nursing, patient organisations, and argenx industry observers.
Amanda Cole, a Director at the Office of Health Economics and co-author of the report said, “While the UK’s current approach to immunoglobulin supply is working well, patient demand is projected to continue rising over the next decade. At the same time, the UK’s heavy reliance on imports exposes the NHS to global supply chain risks.
Our research shows that without coordinated policy action we risk creating future vulnerabilities that could compromise patient access. The time to act is now, while the system is still stable, so we can build the long-term resilience the NHS will need.”
Dr. Siraj Misbah, Consultant Immunologist at Oxford Radcliffe NHS trust said,
“Immunoglobulin is a precious plasma – derived medicine, which is transformative and life-saving for a large group of children and adults. This spans immunodeficient patients, who are unable to produce their own antibodies to those suffering from certain autoimmune diseases due to an overzealous immune system. Given increasing international demand and geopolitical constraints, it is crucial that the UK works towards improved self-sufficiency in immunoglobulin. Rapid progress is being made towards this goal thanks to the selfless efforts of volunteer plasma donors and the UK blood transfusion service.”
Rich Collins, CEO of Inflammatory Neuropathies UK said, “When supply is constrained, it is patients who are most likely to suffer the consequences. For many people, there are simply no alternatives to the immunoglobulin treatment they depend on in order to maintain a quality of life.
Delayed or interrupted access to treatment when people need it doesn’t just create immediate hardship, it can actually cause irreversible physical damage, and leaves people living with the fear and anxiety of not knowing whether they will receive the treatment they require or that their condition will relapse or get worse. We welcome this report’s recognition of that risk, and we really want to see the four actions it sets out taken forward together, so that patients across the UK can rely on consistent access to a critical medicine source when they need it.”
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Notes to Editors:
1. The full report is available online at https://www.ohe.org/publications/immunoglobulin-sustainability-in-the-united-kingdom/
2. Report Methodology: The full study combines evidence from economic modelling and a targeted literature review to assess the future of Ig sustainability in the UK. The authors also convened a multi-stakeholder roundtable including participants from NHS Blood and Transplant, the NHS Immunoglobulin Policy Working Group, clinicians in immunology, neurology and nursing, patient organisations, and argenx industry observers.
3. Funding and Independence: This research was commissioned and funded by argenx, a. argenx employees attended the roundtable event and reviewed the report; however, final editorial control was with OHE.
For further details, including high-resolution photos, or to arrange a briefing or interview please contact:
Lishani Ramanayake
Senior Media and PR Officer
Office of Health Economics
References:
[1] Tunnicliffe E., Oyalo P., Hofer MP., Cole A. 2026. Immunoglobulin Sustainability in the United Kingdom: Characterising the Challenges and Identifying Solutions. OHE Contract Research Report, London: Office of Health Economics. Available at: https://www.ohe.org/publications/immunoglobulin-sustainability-in-the-united-kingdom/
[2] Foster, M., 2026. Immunoglobulin database annual report 2024/25. [online] Available at: https://igd.mdsas.com/wp-content/uploads/Igd_AnnualReport_202425.pdf.
[3] Kluszczynski, T., Rohr, S. and Ernst, R., 2020. Key Economic and Value Considerations for Plasma-Derived Medicinal Products (PDMPs) in Europe. [online] Available at: https://www.vintura.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/White-paper-key-economic-and-value-considerations-for-plasma-derived-medicinal-products-PDMPs-in-Europe_Vintura-and-PPTA.pdf
[4] Pant, S., Bagha, R. and McGill, S., 2021. International Plasma Collection Practices: Project Report. Canadian Journal of Health Technologies, [online] 1(12). DOI: 10.51731/cjht.2021.213.
[5] NHSBT, 2025. NHS Blood and Transplant annual report and accounts: 2024 to 2025. [online] Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6878a0f80263c35f52e4dcd3/nhsbt-annual-report-and-accounts-2024-to-2025.pdf
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