California Plasma Coalition Calls for Increased Access to Life-Saving Medicines

Patients, plasma donors, health care professionals, and community advocates are working together to address barriers to source plasma donations and help save more lives.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The California Plasma Coalition (CalPlasma) today launched a statewide campaign to raise awareness of the vital role that plasma donations play in saving lives of Californians and patients around the world.

Plasma-derived medicines are life-changing and life-saving for people living with complex and rare conditions, including primary immunodeficiency diseases, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, hereditary angioedema, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, hemophilia and Von Willebrand disease, Kawasaki disease, and more. To care for children and adults living with these conditions, millions of plasma donations are needed each year in California.

Plasma, the straw-colored liquid part of blood, is packed with hundreds of essential proteins that support critical bodily functions. Because plasma and its lifesaving proteins help protect against infections, replace lost fluids, preserve lung function, and reduce the risk of life-threatening pregnancy complications, individuals with rare, chronic, and life-threatening conditions, and those facing everyday medical needs such as surgeries, trauma care, transplants, and pregnancies, rely on plasma-derived medicines to not just survive, but thrive.

As more patients are diagnosed with rare diseases and scientists continue to explore new ways to utilize plasma in treating complex conditions, the clinical need for plasma-derived medicines continues to rise in California and globally. To increase access to these life-saving medicines, CalPlasma is working to improve plasma education and awareness throughout the state.

“The importance of plasma cannot be overstated. Plasma cannot be reproduced in a lab, it can only come from generous donors who dedicate their time to saving lives,” said Anita Brikman, President and CEO of the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA). “CalPlasma is building a movement to break down barriers and help ensure a robust supply of lifesaving plasma-derived medicines. If you feel the same, join us in taking action. Advocate, donate, and spread the word to help save lives.”

CalPlasma is proud to partner with a growing number of organizations to amplify the urgent need for plasma, including:

• Albie Aware Breast Cancer Foundation
• Alpha 1 Foundation
• California Rare Disease Access Coalition
• GBS | CIDP Foundation International
• Hemophilia Council of California
• Immune Deficiency Foundation
• Liver Coalition
• Patient Advocates United in San Diego County

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.