California Moves Forward with Legislation to Increase Access to Life-Saving Plasma-Derived Medicines

California is taking meaningful steps to increase access to plasma-derived medicines, which are essential for people living with rare and chronic conditions. With more patients relying on these medicines each year, policymakers are moving to improve the efficiency of source plasma donation centers.

Individuals living with chronic and rare health conditions, like primary immunodeficiency, Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, hereditary angioedema, acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (also known as Guillain-Barré syndrome), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), and bleeding disorders rely on a strong, reliable plasma network to ensure they can access plasma-derived medicines. These life-saving treatments can also reduce complications associated with pregnancy, play a supportive role in cancer care, protect against infections like tetanus, replenish lost fluids in burn patients, and prevent excess blood loss during shock and trauma.

By modernizing regulations governing plasma donation centers, California can ensure a strong plasma ecosystem, and that Californians can access these medicines when needed.

Patients like Sacramento’s Patty Calabro know firsthand how vital these therapies are. Diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, Patty credits plasma-derived medicine with saving her life.

“We must fight for increased access to plasma-derived medicines, so no one is left behind. These critical treatments stopped the progression of my condition and gave me a chance to recover. Without plasma, I might not be here today.”

With recent policy developments advancing in the state Legislature (AB 725), California is one step closer to ensuring all Californians have timely access to the treatments they need, when they need them.

Learn more or get involved here.