Immunoglobulin treatment in Australia: governance and national policy

Immunoglobulin products provide critical therapy, and can be a life-saving treatment, for people with immunodeficiencies and some autoimmune disorders.

Immunoglobulin products cannot be manufactured synthetically – they are made from pooled plasma collected from thousands of blood donors. This means immunoglobulin products are a precious and valuable resource. Careful management is essential to ensuring that there is an adequate, secure, and affordable supply of immunoglobulin products for all Australians who need them.

The National Blood Authority (NBA) manages the supply of immunoglobulin products under the national blood arrangements on behalf of all Australian governments.

The NBA’s Immunoglobulin Governance Program aims to improve the governance of publicly funded Immunoglobulin to ensure that product use and management reflects appropriate clinical practice and represents efficient, effective and ethical expenditure of government funds in accordance with relevant national safety and quality standards for healthcare. A national policy describes the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders involved in the management and use of immunoglobulin under these arrangements.

These governance arrangements ensure immunoglobulin products are available to those who need and will benefit most from them.

Watch this video for an overview of immunoglobulin governance in Australia, including eligibility under the National Policy and how to make a request.