California Introduces New Legislation to Increase Access to Plasma-Derived Medicines, Supported by Patients, Experts, and Health Care Advocates

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Today, the California Plasma Coalition (CalPlasma), a dedicated community of patients, donors, and health care professionals, applauded the introduction of Assembly Bill 2009, co-authored by Assemblymember Philip Chen (R-Brea) and Assemblymember José Luis Solache, Jr. (D-Lynwood). California’s current laws on regulating source plasma donation apply requirements originally designed for blood banks that collect blood for transfusion. Source plasma donation is a fundamentally different, highly automated process, and applying outdated standards has created unnecessary operational barriers that suppress plasma collection and limit supply. AB 2009 modernizes California law by updating operational continuity requirements, expanding acceptable donor identification, removing outdated blood-bank standards, authorizing appropriate clinical delegation, and streamlining licensure under the state’s biologics framework.

“When I was first diagnosed with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, my doctor told me I only had months to live. Like so many living with a rare disease, that news brought uncertainty and fear,” said Eric Butcher, Founder, Alpha-1 Liver Disease Support Group, CalPlasma Ambassador, and Bakersfield resident living with Alpha-1. “Because I have access to plasma-derived medicines, I have outlived that grim prognosis. I can manage my condition with weekly plasma infusions, helping slow its progression as I wait for a cure.”

Plasma contains thousands of proteins that carry out critical functions, making medicines derived from it an essential, life-saving resource for those living with complex and rare conditions, including immunodeficiencies, hereditary angioedema, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, bleedings disorders and more. Plasma-derived medicines can also reduce complications in many everyday conditions such as pregnancies, treating rabies and tetanus, and major surgeries and transplants. Beyond its medical impact, an average source plasma donation center in California employs dozens of people and brings millions of dollars to the local economy through salaries, taxes, and meaningful support to households and local communities.

Despite California being home to more than 60 plasma collection centers, the state still does not collect enough plasma to meet its own demand and must rely on donations from other states. This shortfall can delay treatment for patients who cannot wait, placing already vulnerable individuals at risk.

The challenges faced by those who rely on these medicines are not unique to any one patient; they are shared by thousands of Californians living with rare and chronic conditions as well as individuals experiencing everyday medical encounters like surgery.

“When my daughter Allison was born with hemolytic disease of the newborn, I saw how powerful these treatments were but also how fragile access to plasma-derived medicines can be, especially life-saving treatments like RhoGAM that rely on plasma from very specific donors,” said Casey Kelly, CalPlasma Ambassador and Sonora resident. “My hope is that families have the reassurance that treatments made with plasma will be available to them when they need them most.”

AB 2009 will update the state’s regulatory framework to align with modern technology, ensuring that plasma centers can operate more efficiently and meet the growing demand for plasma. These regulatory reforms would boost California’s role as a leader in plasma donation and manufacturing.

"At the end of the day, AB 2009 is about real people. It’s about patients who depend on plasma-derived medicines to survive,” said Anita Brikman, President and CEO of the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association and AB 2009 sponsor. “It’s about the donors who selflessly give their time. And it’s about ensuring that California’s laws support progress, not hinder it.”

To learn more about AB 2009, click here. And to learn more about the power of plasma and the patients who rely on life-saving plasma-derived medicines, visit calplasma.org.

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.