Addis Ababa, July 29, 2025, The Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) hosted a strategic engagement with the leadership and technical team from the Ethiopian Blood and Tissue Bank Service (EBTBS) to deliberate on collaborative opportunities in the research, development, and production of plasma-derived medicinal products (PDMPs).
The meeting focused on the valorization of currently discarded plasma collected during routine blood banking operations. Recognizing the untapped potential of this biological resource, both institutions discussed modalities for launching a plasma fractionation initiative, beginning with research and development activities aimed at producing Intravenous Immunoglobulin G (IVIg), cryoprecipitated products, and other critical PDMPs targeting rare autoimmune and immunodeficiency conditions.
During the discussion, Asst. Professor Messay Woldemariam, Deputy Director General for the Pharmaceutical Industry Development Sector at AHRI, emphasized the Institute’s strategic readiness to engage in collaborative research and development efforts with EBTBS. He also guided the facility tour, presenting AHRI’s infrastructure, capabilities, and platforms essential for biopharmaceutical innovation. He reiterated AHRI’s commitment to continued engagement with EBTBS and other public institutions to transform underutilized biological inputs into life-saving medical products.
AHRI will lead R&D and clinical trial efforts through mini-pool plasma fractionation platforms, leveraging suitable technology transfer mechanisms to validate safety, efficacy, and scalability. Upon successful pilot-level outcomes, the project will pursue a sustainable pathway toward large-scale production, with aspirations to serve not only the national health system but also regional and international markets through strategic export.
The EBTBS has expressed its strong commitment to supply plasma input for this initiative, ensuring a reliable and ethically sourced raw material for downstream processing. The collaboration underscores the importance of public sector partnership in enhancing Ethiopia’s biopharmaceutical manufacturing capacity, reducing import dependency, and expanding access to life-saving biological therapeutics.
The engagement was graced by the presence of His Excellency Mr. Habtamu Taye, Deputy Director General of the Ethiopian Blood and Tissue Bank Service, who toured AHRI’s facilities and expressed strong support for the initiative. He acknowledged the pivotal role of AHRI in transforming scientific research into sustainable local production capacity.
This landmark collaboration marks a significant step in Ethiopia’s efforts to localize pharmaceutical innovation, strengthen health security, and advance evidence-based solutions for emerging and neglected health priorities.