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LAKEWOOD, Colo., 12 May 2025 – Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies (Terumo BCT), a medical technology company, announces that Join Parachute will be adopting the Rika™ Plasma Donation System, a next-generation plasma collection system engineered to streamline plasma collection and prioritize donor comfort.

Join Parachute's mission is helping the world gain access to more plasma, starting by rethinking the donation experience. By combining thoughtful technology with a donor-first philosophy, the company is working to build a more compassionate and efficient experience. The integration of Rika supports this vision, offering a fast, comfortable and efficient donation experience designed with both donors and patients in mind.

“Join Parachute is reimagining the future of plasma donation, and Rika helps make that vision real.” said Tim Costello, general manager Plasma Innovations at Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies. “Rika's advanced technology is designed to enable a more comfortable experience for donors, which contributes to repeat donations — essential to building a more reliable plasma supply for patients in need. It also reflects our broader commitment to advancing automation and going beyond equipment with connected technologies that help shape customer environments and transform business models.”

The Rika Plasma Donation System is purpose-built for donor comfort. The system’s iNomi™ Nomogram collects up to 1,000 mL of plasma, based on a donor’s hematocrit, weight and height, with an average collection time of less than 35 minutes. Additionally, iNomi enables plasma donors to donate an individualized amount of plasma on any given day based on height, weight and red blood cells in the donor’s blood. With less than 200 mL of blood cells outside the donor’s body at any given time, should the initial procedure not be completed, the donor can return and donate without being deferred. Rika’s integrated control system further elevates the experience by guiding operators with real-time alerts and visual cues, allowing them to focus on donor care while Rika manages adjustments automatically.

Joshua Grosbard, chief executive officer at Join Parachute, said, “Integrating Rika into our operations reflects our commitment to creating a donation experience that is convenient and comfortable. The technology will help us deliver on our promise to donors while growing access to plasma-based therapies for those who need them most.”

This collaboration represents a shared commitment to innovation, human-centered design and expanding access to lifesaving therapies. Costello adds, “This is a practical example of how Terumo BCT continues to collaborate with forward-thinking organizations to meet evolving customer and patient needs.”

Rika™ and iNomi™ are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Terumo BCT, Inc in the United States and/or other countries. See TerumoBCT.com/Trademarks for details.
 

About Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies

Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies is a medical technology company. Our products, software and services enable customers to collect and prepare blood and cells to help treat challenging diseases and conditions. Our employees worldwide believe in the potential of blood and cells to do even more for patients than they do today. This belief inspires our innovation and strengthens our collaboration with customers.

Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies' customers include blood centers, hospitals, therapeutic apheresis clinics, cell collection and processing organizations, researchers and private medical practices. Our customers are based in over 150 countries across the globe. We have 750+ granted patents, with more than 150 additionally pending.

We have global headquarters in Lakewood, Colorado, U.S.A., along with five regional headquarters, eight manufacturing sites and six innovation and development centers across the globe. Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies is a subsidiary of Terumo Corporation (TSE: 4543), a global leader in medical technology.

About Join Parachute 

Join Parachute is dedicated to transforming the plasma donation experience through technology and donor-focused design. By simplifying the donation process and emphasizing donor comfort, Join Parachute aims to increase plasma donations and improve access to lifesaving therapies. Join Parachute operates source plasma collection centers in the U.S. and currently has 32 locations.

About Terumo

Terumo (TSE: 4543) is a global leader in medical technology and has been committed to “Contributing to Society through Healthcare” for 100 years. Based in Tokyo and operating globally, Terumo employs more than 30,000 associates worldwide to provide innovative medical solutions in more than 160 countries and regions. The company started as a Japanese thermometer manufacturer, and has been supporting healthcare ever since. Now, its extensive business portfolio ranges from vascular intervention and cardio-surgical solutions, blood transfusion and cell therapy technology, to medical products essential for daily clinical practice such as transfusion systems, diabetes care, and peritoneal dialysis treatments. Terumo will further strive to be of value to patients, medical professionals, and society at large.

Among the information that Terumo discloses, the forward-looking statements including financial projections are based upon our assumptions using information available to us at the time and are not intended to be guarantees of future events or performance. Accordingly, it should be noted that actual results may differ from those forecasts or projections due to various factors. Factors affecting to actual results include, but are not limited to, changes in economic conditions surrounding Terumo, fluctuations of foreign exchange rates, and state of competition.

 

Information about products (including products currently in development) included in this material is not intended to constitute an advertisement or medical advice.