Harvesting the Blood of America’s Poor: Big Pharma's Blood Plasma Business | Documentary
Java Discover | Free Global Documentaries & Clips・24 minutes read
The blood and plasma industry, often seen as a selfless act of donation, is actually a lucrative business driven by the demand for therapies, with major players making significant profits while exploiting donors and raising public health concerns. Despite concerns regarding transparency, exploitation, and potential epidemics, the industry continues to thrive, with individuals like Mark relying on plasma donations for financial stability, highlighting the complex and interconnected issues within the system.
Insights
- Blood donation, often seen as an altruistic act, is a lucrative industry driven by the demand for therapies, with major players like Octapharma profiting significantly from the sale of plasma to pharmaceutical companies for the production of life-saving drugs.
- The lack of transparency in the plasma industry raises concerns about donor exploitation, public health risks, and potential bribery scandals, highlighting the complex ethical and economic issues intertwined within the global blood donation system.
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Recent questions
What is the value of plasma compared to oil?
Plasma, a crucial component of blood, is actually more valuable and expensive than oil. It is highly sought after by pharmaceutical companies for its proteins, making it a lucrative industry.
How do pharmaceutical companies profit from plasma?
Pharmaceutical companies purchase large amounts of plasma annually from organizations like the Red Cross to extract sought-after proteins. This process allows them to create life-saving drugs, generating significant revenue.
What are the potential risks of donating plasma?
Donating plasma can lead to fatigue and headaches, especially if done twice a week. While short-term effects are known, long-term impacts are not well-documented, raising concerns about donor health.
How does the plasma industry impact donors financially?
For individuals like Mark in Cleveland, donating plasma is a source of income and financial stability. Compensation for plasma donations is crucial for many Americans struggling financially, highlighting the industry's role in supporting donors.
What are the concerns surrounding the lack of transparency in the plasma industry?
The lack of transparency in the plasma industry raises concerns about donor exploitation, public health risks, and the potential spread of new viruses. Organizations like the World Health Organization advocate for self-sufficiency in blood donation systems to address these issues and enhance safety.
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Summary
00:00
Blood Donation: Generous Act or Lucrative Industry?
- Blood donation is viewed as a generous act globally, but the reality is that it's a lucrative industry driven by the demand for therapies.
- Plasma, a key component of blood, is highly valuable and more expensive than oil.
- The Red Cross in Lausanne collects over 100 million blood donations annually, with 311,000 donations in 2015, constantly seeking new donors.
- Most donated blood is sold to private companies, undisclosed by the Red Cross, generating millions in revenue.
- Pharmaceutical companies purchase 80,000 liters of plasma annually from the Red Cross, profiting from sought-after proteins in the liquid part of blood.
- Major players in the plasma industry include Baxter, CSL Behring, Grifols, and Octapharma, controlling a $17 billion market.
- Octapharma, a Swiss company, is a key player in the plasma industry, with its president, Wolfgang Marguerre, estimated to have a fortune of $6 billion.
- Plasma is transformed into life-saving drugs through a process called fractionation, with companies freezing and mixing thousands of liters of human plasma.
- In the USA, blood donation centers compensate donors, leading to a significant increase in donations post the 2008 financial crisis.
- Donors like Mark in Cleveland rely on plasma donations for income, with the procedure being well-established and donors receiving immediate compensation.
21:52
Plasma Donations: Financial Incentives and Health Risks
- Blood donations are a significant source of income for many Americans, like Mark, who rely on it for financial stability.
- Donating plasma twice a week can lead to fatigue and headaches, but long-term effects are not well-documented.
- Octapharma Plasma offers monetary compensation for plasma donations, crucial for individuals struggling financially.
- The USA dominates the global human plasma export market, emphasizing quality and sanitary conditions.
- Octapharma's donation process involves minimal physical examination, mainly focusing on blood pressure to prevent fainting.
- Donors at Octapharma may lie about their health to receive compensation, attracting a high-risk population.
- The plasma business intertwines with the drug trade, with donors using the money for drugs, posing health risks.
- The lack of transparency in the plasma industry raises concerns about donor exploitation and public health risks.
- Despite effective sanitation checks, the possibility of new viruses spreading through plasma remains a concern.
- The World Health Organization advocates for self-sufficiency in blood donation systems to enhance safety and accessibility.
45:03
Plasma Industry: Corruption and Exploitation Unveiled
- Octapharma is under suspicion for bribing Ministry of Health officials in the Blood Vampire scandal, with concerns raised by the French Donor Association over political connections. Despite the lack of charges, the company remains active in Brazil, prompting a visit to Wolfgang Marguerre's home in Heidelberg for answers, which were not provided, leaving questions unanswered regarding plasma origin, payment, donor risks, drug detection, and potential epidemics.
- In Cleveland, individuals like Mark turn to selling plasma for money, highlighting the harsh reality of the pharmaceutical industry meeting the demand for plasma, with the poor's blood going to the rich. Mark, relieved after donating plasma for $20, plans to rest, showcasing the interconnected distress shared by individuals like him and Tamara in the plasma industry.
