The lifesaving power of plasma for patients in California

OPINION – As the President and CEO of the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association, I hear many stories from patients and families who have personally experienced the power of plasma. Plasma, the liquid portion of blood flowing through our veins, carries thousands of unique proteins. Many of these proteins serve as the starting material for life-saving medicines that offer hope to those who need them most.

The proteins in plasma help the body function properly by controlling bleeding, fighting infections, protecting the lungs, regulating inflammation, and much more. For more than a century, plasma has been harnessed to create medicines that are essential for individuals living with complex health conditions, like primary immunodeficiencies, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency,  Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), and bleeding disorders. Those living with cancer may also depend on plasma proteins to manage issues like immunosuppression, infection risks, and clotting issues during treatment. Even complications during pregnancy, like Rhesus disease, are alleviated by plasma-derived medicines, protecting both mothers and babies.

The uses of plasma extend far beyond rare and chronic diseases. The recent Los Angeles fires acted as a stark reminder, with burn victims needing specialized care and constant vigilance to avoid infection. Albumin, one of the proteins found in plasma, can be useful in cases of shock and trauma, as it helps replenish lost fluids, stabilizes blood pressure, and helps prevent life-threatening complications that often follow severe burns.

For many, plasma is the key that allows them to lead fuller lives. Yet supply isn’t keeping up with clinical need. Driven by better diagnoses of rare diseases, expanded treatment options, and longer life expectancies, the need for plasma is surging.

Unlike many medical advancements, plasma cannot be created in a lab. It can only be obtained through the generosity of donors – individuals who give their time and a part of themselves to help others. Consider this: A single patient can require plasma medicines that are derived from 130 donations per year for a primary immunodeficiency disease, 900 donations per year for Alpha-1, and 1,200 donations per year to treat hemophilia A.

To raise awareness of the urgent need for plasma, increase access for patients, and maintain a steady, reliable supply of plasma-derived medicines, California is leading the way. The California Plasma Coalition – a collection of patients, donors, health care professionals, and advocates have boldly stepped forward to raise awareness of the need for more plasma donation. Coupled with the support of Assemblymember José Luis Solache, Jr., who introduced legislation to ensure California continues to be among the national leaders in plasma donation, this effort aims to ensure every resident has timely access to life-saving plasma medicines when they need them most.

But this effort is about more than plasma – it’s about people. Behind every medicine is a parent, child, or loved one whose life has been transformed. These stories of compassion, innovation, and hope are a powerful reminder of why we must continue this work. By increasing access to plasma-derived medicines, ensuring the highest quality and safety standards in plasma donation and manufacturing, and advocating for equitable and modern policies that reflect plasma’s essential role in health care, we can ensure this precious resource reaches everyone who needs it.

The progress we’ve made is inspiring, but it’s only the beginning. Modernizing California’s regulations will help increase plasma donations and give back to patients and families in need. Now is the time to donate; Californians throughout the state depend on the generosity of neighbors and friends. Learn how to become a donor, help increase access to plasma-derived medicines, and save more lives.

Anita Brikman is the President and CEO of the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA), an organization representing the majority of source plasma collection centers in North America and Europe, as well as the manufacturers of lifesaving plasma protein therapies.