LAKEWOOD, COLO., U.S.A. – 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."
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.