Corporate
News release
TopLAKEWOOD, COLO., U.S.A. – 4 August 2022 – Today, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, a medical technology company, announces that its new Rika Plasma Donation System successfully completed the first plasma donation in a plasma collection center in Aurora, Colo., operated by CSL Plasma, a global leader in plasma collection.
Rika, currently in limited market release, represents a new era in plasma collections. The system, cleared for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March 2022, is designed to optimize plasma collections to help patients affected by life-threatening illnesses. The Rika Plasma Donation System is designed to improve the donor experience.
Entering the source plasma market is a natural extension of Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies’ experience and global leadership in apheresis technology.
“We designed the Rika ecosystem, including the software and services, in response to the industry's need for technological advancement and process improvements to drive efficiency and quality while maintaining donor safety and a sufficient plasma supply,” says Cynthia Hougum, General Manager, Plasma Innovations, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies. “We are thrilled that the first plasma collection was completed. It’s gratifying to hear positive feedback on the experience from the first donor. This is an important milestone as the phased rollout across CSL Plasma Centers continues in the coming months.”
The proprietary design of the Rika Plasma Donation System's centrifuge maximizes the plasma yield per cycle, which enables an average collection time of 35 minutes or less. Rika ensures there is never more than 200 milliliters of blood outside the donor's body at one time.
CSL Plasma is first implementing Rika at its Colorado centers and then expanding to other U.S. locations.
Rika, currently in limited market release, represents a new era in plasma collections. The system, cleared for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March 2022, is designed to optimize plasma collections to help patients affected by life-threatening illnesses. The Rika Plasma Donation System is designed to improve the donor experience.
Entering the source plasma market is a natural extension of Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies’ experience and global leadership in apheresis technology.
“We designed the Rika ecosystem, including the software and services, in response to the industry's need for technological advancement and process improvements to drive efficiency and quality while maintaining donor safety and a sufficient plasma supply,” says Cynthia Hougum, General Manager, Plasma Innovations, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies. “We are thrilled that the first plasma collection was completed. It’s gratifying to hear positive feedback on the experience from the first donor. This is an important milestone as the phased rollout across CSL Plasma Centers continues in the coming months.”
The proprietary design of the Rika Plasma Donation System's centrifuge maximizes the plasma yield per cycle, which enables an average collection time of 35 minutes or less. Rika ensures there is never more than 200 milliliters of blood outside the donor's body at one time.
CSL Plasma is first implementing Rika at its Colorado centers and then expanding to other U.S. locations.
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 around the world 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 130 countries across the globe. We have 750+ granted patents, with more than 150 additionally pending.
We have global headquarters in Lakewood, Colo., U.S.A., along with five regional headquarters, seven 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.
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 130 countries across the globe. We have 750+ granted patents, with more than 150 additionally pending.
We have global headquarters in Lakewood, Colo., U.S.A., along with five regional headquarters, seven 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 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.