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, legislation to ensure individuals with rare diseases and immunodeficiencies have access to necessary plasma-based medicines. 

“Ensuring that individuals with rare diseases and immunodeficiencies have access to life-saving plasma-based medicines is not just a health care issue, it’s a matter of life and death,” said Kelly. “The PLASMA Act is crucial to keep treatments accessible and affordable for thousands of Americans. I will continue working across the aisle to support plasma donation and guarantee that no patient faces a disruption in their treatment.” 

“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 Americans who rely on them.”  

“The GBS|CIDP Foundation International proudly supports the PLASMA Act and all policies that promote patient access to plasma medicines. Many patients with rare and chronic conditions like Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) and Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN) require reliable access to plasma medicines multiple times per month and any disruption can have devastating effects. Introducing the PLASMA Act is a significant step forward toward ensuring continued access to life-saving plasma medicines into the future,” said Lisa Butler, Executive Director, GBS/CIDP Foundation International. 

“As a leader of one of the many plasma donation centers across the state of Arizona, I applaud Senator Kelly for introducing the bipartisan PLASMA Act in the Senate. This valuable legislation will ensure our center can continue to serve the thousands of Arizonians who selflessly donate plasma each year. Sustaining our operations is a vital component of meeting the rising demand for plasma-derived medicine products (PDMPs), which treat a number of rare and often life-threatening conditions. Senator Kelly’s leadership will make a positive impact on plasma donors and patients in need of PDMPs in Arizona and beyond,” said Frank Bernal, Center Manager from Surprise, AZ.  

“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. It is vital for our community to have continued access to this life-saving plasma therapy that they receive on a weekly basis,” said Scott Santarella, President & CEO, Alpha-1 Foundation. 

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 2031, 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. 

Full text of the legislation is available here.