California Advances Legislation to Increase Access to Plasma-Derived Medicines

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – California is one step closer to improving access to life-saving plasma-derived medicines, relied on by thousands of Californians living with rare and complex conditions. As demand continues to rise and new medical applications emerge, policymakers are responding to the need to strengthen the efficiency of source plasma centers to ensure patients have reliable, timely access to these essential treatments. 

“While researchers remain optimistic about the possibility of a cure for Alpha-1 in the coming decade, I and many others must live with the reality that no cure exists today,” Eric Butcher, Support Group Leader, Peer Guide, and Advocate, Streets of Bakersfield Alpha-1 Support Group, Alpha-1 Foundation, and CalPlasma Ambassador. “Patients like me rely on timely access to plasma‑derived infusion therapy to raise our AAT protein levels and slow disease progression. Though these treatments cannot reverse existing lung or liver damage, they are essential to maintaining my health and quality of life.”

Patients across California depend on plasma-derived medicines to manage a wide range of serious and often life-threatening conditions, including bleeding disorders, immune deficiencies, hereditary angioedema, respiratory illnesses, and neurological diseases. Beyond these core uses, these medicines are critical across broader areas of medical care, helping reduce pregnancy-related complications, support cancer treatment, protect against infections such as tetanus or rabies, restore fluid levels in burn patients, and prevent excessive blood loss during trauma and shock. In emergency and intensive care settings, plasma-derived medicines are indispensable, providing rapid stabilization when every moment counts. By modernizing regulations for plasma donation centers, the state can strengthen its plasma ecosystem and ensure Californians have reliable access to the medicines they depend on when needed.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Assemblymembers Chen and Solache for their leadership on AB 2009 and for recognizing the real people behind this issue, patients and families whose daily lives depend on plasma-derived medicines,” said Anita Brikman, President and CEO of the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association and AB 2009 sponsor. “As this bill moves closer to becoming law, it sends a powerful message about the importance of plasma, and that supporting access to these life-saving medicines can make a meaningful difference for so many Californians living with rare and chronic diseases.”

With Assembly Bill 2009 (Chen and Solache) unanimously passing out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee, the legislation now advances to the Assembly floor for consideration.

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About California Plasma Coalition

The California Plasma Coalition (CalPlasma) is a dedicated community of patients, donors, health care professionals, and advocates working to ensure that every Californian has timely access to life-saving plasma medicines when they need them most. Learn more by visiting CalPlasma.org.