Rep. Hudson, Sen. Tillis Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Increase Access to Plasma-Based Medicines

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC) and Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Preserving Life-saving Access to Specialty Medicines in America (PLASMA) Act. This legislation would implement phased-in rebates for plasma-based medicines, ensuring patients of rare diseases and immunodeficiencies have access to these life-saving treatments.

"All Americans impacted by rare diseases deserve to have innovative, high-quality health care," said Representative Hudson. "My legislation will increase access to plasma medicines for our nation's most vulnerable patients and help save lives." 

“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.” 

North Carolina is home to one of the world’s largest plasma production facilities and more than 30 plasma donor centers, which provide life-saving measures for thousands of Americans.

The PLASMA Act would include plasma-derived medicines in a phase-in process for the Part D redesign the Inflation Reduction Act already has in place for other drugs Congress recognized as unique. Beginning in 2031, manufacturers would pay the full rebate amount following annual rebate increases, protecting vulnerable beneficiaries’ supply of plasma-derived medicines while avoiding skyrocketing costs for patients.

In the United States, over 125,000 patients living with rare and life-threatening diseases rely on sustained access to plasma-derived medicinal products to treat their lifelong health conditions. These rare and chronic diseases include Primary Immunodeficiencies, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency; for most patients, there are no effective, alternative therapies available. 

Joining Representative Hudson and Senator Tillis in introducing this legislation are Representatives Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC), Don Davis (D-NC), Scott Peters (D-CA), and Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ).

"Plasma-derived medicines are critical for many patients with autoimmune conditions and immunodeficiency disorders," said Representative Murphy, M.D. "The PLASMA Act improves access and ensures research and development into new, lifesaving treatments. I am proud to support this bipartisan, bicameral legislation."

“We must ensure patients with life-threatening rare diseases can continue receiving treatment with plasma-based medicines," said Representative Davis. "To that end, we need common-sense legislation to guarantee plasma medicine suppliers can provide patients with continued access to life-saving cures."

“Many Americans with rare diseases rely on plasma therapies to live healthier lives, but the basic ingredient for these medicines is in shortage,” said Representative Peters. “It already takes 7-12 months to process a plasma donation into a plasma medicine. We need common-sense legislation that will help more Americans access the lifesaving medicines they need, and the PLASMA Act would do just that.”

The PLASMA Act is endorsed by top national and international health organizations, including the Alpha-1 Foundation and GBS | CIDP Foundation International.

"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," said Scott Santarella, President & CEO of Alpha-1 Foundation. "It is vital for our community to have continued access to this life-saving plasma therapy that they receive on a weekly basis."

Read the full text of the PLASMA Act here.

-###-