Kelly, Tillis Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Access to Plasma-Based Medicines
Today, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced the bipartisan Preserving Life-saving Access to Specialty Medicines in America (PLASMA) Act to ensure individuals with rare diseases and immunodeficiencies have access to necessary plasma-based medicines.
“Patients with rare diseases and immune disorders rely on plasma-based medicines to stay healthy, but right now, too many are facing rising costs and supply challenges,” said Kelly. “By protecting access to these lifesaving medicines, we’re making sure patients can get the treatments they need affordably and without disruption.”
“It is critical patients with rare diseases and immunodeficiencies have uninterrupted access to the life-saving plasma-based medicines they need,” said Tillis. “This commonsense legislation increases access to these innovative medications and ensures they remain affordable for the thousands of Americas who rely on them.”
“The Alpha-1 Foundation is proud to endorse The PLASMA Act in support of patients with rare diseases, like Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and immunodeficiencies to have access to necessary plasma-based medicines,” said Scott Santarella, President & CEO, Alpha-1 Foundation. “It is vital for our community to have continued access to this life-saving plasma therapy that they receive on a weekly basis.”
Background:
The PLASMA Act would include plasma-derived medicines in a phase-in process for the Part D redesign the Inflation Reduction Act already has in place for other drugs Congress recognized as unique. Beginning in 2032, manufacturers would pay the full rebate amount following annual rebate increases, protecting vulnerable beneficiaries’ supply of plasma-derived medicines, and avoiding skyrocketing costs for patients.
In the United States, over 125,000 patients living with rare and life-threatening diseases rely on sustained access to plasma derived medicinal products to treat their lifelong health conditions. These rare and chronic diseases include Primary Immunodeficiencies, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency; for most patients there are no effective, alternative therapies available.
The PLASMA Act is endorsed by top national and international health organizations, including the Immune Deficiency Foundation, Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association, Alpha-1 Foundation, and GBS | CIDP Foundation International.
Click here to read the full bill text.
