California Plasma Coalition Hosts Briefing on the Power of Plasma

Experts and patients unite to share the lifesaving impact of plasma-derived medicines

From left to right: James Knowles, Ph.D. (Panelist) , Senior Director, Head of Global Regulatory Policy, Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association; Scott Syphax (Moderator) Host & Moderator, Studio Sacramento | PBS KVIE; Lynne Kinst (Panelist) Executive Director, Bleeding Disorders Council of California; Founder, California Rare Disease Access Coalition; Zuiho “Z” Taniguchi (Panelist) Board Member, Bleeding Disorders Council of California; Union City resident living with von Willebrand disease; Assemblymember José Luis Solache, Jr., District 62 (not pictured)

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Today, the California Plasma Coalition (CalPlasma), California Rare Disease Access Coalition, Bleeding Disorders Council of California, and Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association hosted “Plasma in Action.” The educational briefing brought together lawmakers, experts, and patient advocates to share how source plasma becomes lifesaving medicines and why it’s imperative for California to continue building a stronger plasma ecosystem for residents throughout the state.

“As a representative from Los Angeles, I’ve seen firsthand the unique and urgent health care needs facing our diverse communities, particularly during a dangerous wildfire season. And I know how essential plasma, and the lifesaving medicines it creates, can be for patients and families throughout the state,” said Assemblymember José Luis Solache (D-Lynwood). “Earlier this year, I introduced AB 725 to modernize source plasma donation regulations and help centers meet growing demand. Although the bill is not moving forward this session, I remain committed to working with my colleagues and State regulators, however I can, to advance reforms that will strengthen California’s plasma ecosystem.”

Source plasma cannot be reproduced or manufactured in a lab. The essential resource must be generously donated by individuals, which is why donation centers – and their efficiency – are critical for Californians who rely on plasma-derived medicines for the treatment of rare and chronic diseases, and everyday medical needs such as surgery, pregnancy, and more.

Without updating the regulations and policies governing these centers, California risks falling behind in meeting the growing clinical need for plasma derived products. It’s critical for the state to lead through community-centered, common-sense reforms that make the state’s plasma ecosystem more efficient, accessible, and patient-focused.

“Hemophilia has been a constant thread in my family’s story. Decades ago, I watched my father rely on plasma donations to survive. We didn’t know it at the time, but he needed hundreds of people to donate each year,” said Lynne Kinst, Executive Director, Bleeding Disorders Council of California, Founder; California Rare Disease Access Coalition. “This is not just my family’s story, it’s the reality for every Californian who depends on a reliable, sustainable plasma supply.”

The briefing was moderated by Scott Syphax, host of Studio Sacramento on PBS KVIE, and offered a comprehensive look at the source plasma donation process – from collection to fractionation to the production of medicine – and emphasized the wide range of conditions treated with plasma-derived medicines, including immune deficiencies, hemophilia, Guillain-Barré syndrome, von Willebrand disease, severe burns, trauma, pregnancy complications, and more.

“Plasma isn’t just a medicine for me, it’s ingrained in my life, my career, and my family,” said Zuiho Taniguchi, Board Member, Bleeding Disorders Council of California and a Union City resident living with von Willebrand disease. “I have had the incredible opportunity to see both sides: the science behind the medicines and the lifesaving impact they have on patients like me, as well as my daughter, Akaly. Because of this perspective, I know firsthand how critical it is to remove outdated barriers for plasma donation centers to operate safely and efficiently.”

By modernizing regulations and improving the overall understanding of plasma’s life-changing impact, California can better support residents throughout the state who depend on timely plasma-derived medicines and, ultimately, lead the way in shaping the future of plasma care.

“With a growing number of rare disease diagnoses and the increasing frequency of natural disasters, especially here in California, the clinical need for plasma is going to continue to rise,” said James Knowles, Ph.D., Senior Director, Head of Global Regulatory Policy, Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association. “California has an incredible opportunity to be a model for the rest of the country and world for how to build and maintain a strong, patient-centered plasma landscape.”

A recording of the event can be found on CalPlasma’s X page. Individuals interested in learning more about the California Plasma Coalition or wanting to get involved can visit www.calplasma.org for more information.

 ###

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.

About the California Rare Disease Access Coalition 

The California Rare Disease Access Coalition advocates for equitable access to care, treatment, and support for individuals living with rare diseases across the state. https://www.hemophiliaca.org/ca-rda-coalition/ 

About the Bleeding Disorders Council of California 

BDCC is dedicated to improving access to quality care and supporting the bleeding disorders community in California through education, advocacy, and outreach.

https://www.bdcouncilca.org/

About the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) 

PPTA represents the global plasma collection and therapeutics industry, working to ensure the availability of lifesaving plasma-derived therapies for patients with rare and chronic conditions.

https://www.pptaglobal.org/