First Internationally Certified Plasma Collection Center in Czech Republic

- EUROPLASMA Demonstrates Continued Leadership

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, June 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) is delighted to announce that Europlasma, s.r.o has achieved International Quality Plasma Program (IQPP) certification for the Darcovske centrum Chodov (DCCH) in Prague. This modern facility is the first Czech Republic center to achieve such recognition.

"We are pleased to achieve IQPP certification. It is a mark of distinction and gives further assurance to stakeholders and the public that safety and quality are of the utmost importance to Europlasma Group," said CEO Rudolf Meixner.

People worldwide depend on life saving plasma protein therapies to treat conditions such as hemophilia, immune disorders, other diseases or injuries. IQPP standards help ensure the highest level of quality and safety of human source plasma.

Certification requires completing a rigorous inspection by an independent third party, demonstrating compliance with nine voluntary IQPP standards relating to donor and center management. These standards provide important assurances in addition to strict regulations.

EUROPLASMA Group manages seven plasma centers in Austria, in addition to the Prague facility. They have operated in Vienna since 1986 and Prague since 2009, shortly after legislation authorized private plasma collection. All of the company's centers have achieved and maintained certification.

Joshua Penrod, Vice President, PPTA Source said, "This is an important milestone of European plasma collection. This achievement demonstrates EUROPLASMA's sustained commitment to plasma quality and safety."

About the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association
The Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) is a dynamic trade association that represents a unique sector of the biologics and biotechnology industry. PPTA member companies manufacture high-impact, high-value plasma protein therapies that make a difference in patients' lives every day throughout the world.

PPTA and its members focus on patient access to plasma protein therapies. We work in tandem with more than 20 patient advocacy organizations to ensure that patients who infuse or inject these complex biologics have confidence in their safety and quality. Additionally, PPTA works globally with consumer groups, policymakers, and other key stakeholders on critical issues of patient access to care.

PPTA also administers standards programs, including the International Quality Plasma  Program (IQPP) and Quality Standards of Excellence, Assurance and Leadership (QSEAL): the National Donor Deferral Registry (NDDR), and the Patient Notification System (PNS). PPTA's devotes itself daily to providing value to its membership and making contributions towards improving and saving lives.

SOURCE Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association