Full Breakdown
Grifols Begins Phased Reopening of Canadian Plasma Clinics
By Drooid · · How we work
Reopening Plan and Immediate Operations
Grifons, the Barcelona-based for-profit plasma collector that operates Canada’s only large-scale commercial plasma network, announced a phased resumption of collections at two sites – the Edmonton location on Currents Drive in the Windermere neighbourhood and the Winnipeg clinic on Innovation Drive. Both centres will start with a limited number of daily donor appointments, with capacity slated to increase gradually. The company says the two-month pause was used to upgrade employee training, supervision, documentation practices, staffing models, quality-review processes and overall operational oversight. As of early September, Grifons also assumed full operational control of Canadian Plasma Resources, the firm that previously managed most of its Canadian sites.
Background and Regulatory Context
In mid-August, Grifons halted all paid plasma collection across its 17 Canadian centres after Health Canada issued a non-compliance rating for the Taylor Avenue clinic in Winnipeg. The regulator cited insufficient corrective actions, lapses in donor-suitability assessment, incomplete investigation of errors, and inadequate records of staff qualifications and training. The licence for the Taylor Avenue site remains suspended. The pause followed public scrutiny sparked by two donor deaths – one in October 2025 and another in January 2026 – at separate Grifons clinics in Winnipeg. Health Canada’s inspection report also noted six serious adverse reactions reported at Grifons facilities since 2018.
Official Statements and Responses
Health Canada confirmed that inspectors have visited the Edmonton and Winnipeg sites to verify that corrective actions, staff training and operational controls are in place. The agency indicated it will continue both scheduled and unannounced inspections and will conduct readiness assessments before any further reopenings. A spokesperson for Health Canada emphasized that Grifons must demonstrate ongoing compliance as operations resume. Canadian Blood Services, the non-profit partner that spends more than $1 billion annually on plasma-derived drugs, said it believes Grifons is taking “prudent and effective steps” and expressed appreciation for the company’s collaboration with Health Canada to expand domestic production capacity.
Impact and Outlook
Plasma collected by Grifons is used to manufacture plasma-derived therapies, which are administered to patients but not transfused directly. The reopening aims to address growing Canadian demand for immunoglobulins while ensuring safety standards meet regulatory expectations. Continued oversight by Health Canada and the partnership with Canadian Blood Services will shape the pace at which the remaining 15 centres return to full operation.