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Alphas, others to testify for Minnesota bill assuring care for patients requiring plasma protein therapies
ST. PAUL, MN – Today, individuals with primary immunodeficiency diseases and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (genetic COPD) will testify at a hearing of the Senate Committee on Health, Housing and Family Security to press for the passage of legislation that will ensure them access to their life-saving therapies.
Patients with relatively rare, chronic diseases and disorders who rely on plasma protein therapies to control their disease would be ensured access to the life-saving therapies they need to lead healthy, productive lives under the legislation.
The legislation specifically protects those with Alpha-1 – often called “genetic COPD” – as well as primary immunodeficiency diseases, and von Willebrand disease (a blood clotting disorder). People with these conditions often require biological plasma protein therapies to replace specific proteins that are missing or deficient in their blood.
“The goal of the legislation is to protect patients with rare, chronic conditions from insurance cost-cutting decisions in the future,” says Alpha-1 Foundation President & CEO John Walsh. “It could provide a template for protections for Alphas and other vulnerable patient groups in states across the country.”
