Kedrion warns MidEast conflict may delay plasma supplies to Iran

By Giancarlo Navach

MILAN, April 24 (Reuters) – Italian biopharmaceutical company Kedrion said on Friday it may struggle to ensure timely delivery of vital plasma-based medicines to patients in Iran if the conflict with the United States and Israel creates supply chain disruptions.

Chief Executive Ugo Di Francesco said the company, whose results released this week confirmed robust growth over the last few years, was worried about the impact of surging fuel prices on its logistics costs.

“If the situation were to persist over time, challenges could arise … in terms of logistics, namely our ability to physically deliver products to patients,” he told Reuters in an interview.

“So far we have not experienced significant effects on our capacity to ensure the availability of therapies,” he added.

Kedrion produces life-saving treatments for rare and ultra-rare diseases. Its plasma collection network comprises about 76 centres, with 68 in the U.S. and the rest in the Czech Republic.

The company is controlled by private equity group Permira, which holds a 63.2% stake. Italy’s Marcucci family owns 16.3%, while Italian investment firms FSI and CDP Equity are minority shareholders.

Kedrion merged with Britain’s Bio Products Laboratory in 2022 to create a global plasma-derivatives group and employs about 5,400 people.

It posted revenue of 1.65 billion euros ($1.78 billion) in 2025, up 4.5% from 2024, and adjusted core earnings (EBITDA) of 341.4 million euros, a 22.6% increase.

The U.S. accounted for 61% of its revenue last year, a share Di Francesco said was expected to rise to 65% in 2026.

(Editing by Gavin Jones and Mark Potter)