In a rare show of unity across party lines, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) have teamed up to introduce the Preserving Life-saving Access to Specialty Medicines in America (PLASMA) Act. The bill aims to ensure that patients with rare diseases and immunodeficiencies can access the plasma-based medicines they need without facing prohibitive costs or supply issues. As Senator Tillis stated, "This commonsense legislation increases access to these innovative medications and ensures they remain affordable for the thousands of Americas who rely on them."
Senator Kelly echoed these concerns about affordability and availability, "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," he mentioned. The legislation has garnered support from various organizations, including the Alpha-1 Foundation. The foundation's President & CEO, Scott Santarella endorsed the act, saying, "It is vital for our community to have continued access to this life-saving plasma therapy that they receive on a weekly basis."
Complementary to the Senate's efforts, Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) introduced similar legislation in the House of Representatives. His concern aligns with his Senate colleagues, stating, "All Americans impacted by rare diseases deserve to have innovative, high-quality health care." The PLASMA Act aligns with these goals by including plasma-derived medicines in a planned phase-in for the Part D redesign. By doing so, it seeks to prevent the cost for patients from becoming unmanageable, despite rebate increases set to take effect in 2031.
With more than 125,000 patients in the U.S. depending on plasma-derived medicinal products, these treatments are not just another commodity but a lifeline for those facing Primary Immunodeficiencies, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, among other conditions. Many of these individuals have no alternative therapies available. The legislation's importance is underscored by its endorsements from prominent health organizations such as the Immune Deficiency Foundation, Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association, and GBS | CIDP Foundation International. The full text of the PLASMA Act is available on Senator Tillis's official website.
