North Charlotte Today

Senators Thom Tillis and Mark Kelly have introduced the bipartisan Preserving Life-saving Access to Specialty Medicines in America (PLASMA) Act. This legislation aims to ensure that individuals with rare diseases and immunodeficiencies can access necessary plasma-based medicines.

“It is critical patients with rare diseases and immunodeficiencies have uninterrupted access to the life-saving plasma-based medicines they need,” said Senator Tillis. “This commonsense legislation increases access to these innovative medications and ensures they remain affordable for the thousands of Americans who rely on them.”

“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,” said Senator Kelly. “By protecting access to these lifesaving medicines, we’re making sure patients can get the treatments they need affordably and without disruption.”

Scott Santarella, President & CEO of the Alpha-1 Foundation, expressed support for the PLASMA Act: “The Alpha-1 Foundation is proud to endorse The PLASMA Act in support of patients with rare diseases, like Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and immunodeficiencies to have access to necessary plasma-based medicines.”

Representative Richard Hudson has introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. He stated, “All Americans impacted by rare diseases deserve to have innovative, high-quality health care. My legislation will increase access to plasma medicines for our nation's most vulnerable patients and help save lives.”

North Carolina hosts one of the world's largest plasma production facilities along with over 30 donor centers across the state. These centers provide essential measures for thousands of Americans.

The PLASMA Act proposes including plasma-derived medicines in a phase-in process for Part D redesign under the Inflation Reduction Act starting in 2031. This would involve manufacturers paying full rebate amounts following annual increases, thus protecting beneficiaries' supply while avoiding cost spikes.

In the U.S., more than 125,000 patients depend on continuous access to plasma-derived medicinal products for their lifelong conditions such as Primary Immunodeficiencies and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy. The act has received endorsements from major health organizations like the Immune Deficiency Foundation and Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association.