Plasma Please
Plasma is the straw-colored liquid portion of blood that contains proteins that are essential for the human body, including antibodies and clotting factors. Antibodies (also known as immunoglobulins) play an important role in health and illness. Many patients living with CIDP, MMN or Variants regularly receive intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) to treat the…
APLUS Statement on the State of Plasma
The American Plasma Users Coalition (APLUS) recognizes and applauds the recent statements from the White House that emphasize the importance of plasma and how essential plasma donors are to the healthcare system. This statement rings true for convalescent plasma that may help countless patients battling COVID-19 and is especially true for people all over the…
Wrap Up With A Win – Awareness Month’s Advocacy Week Brings Legislative Victories
Our 2020 May Awareness Month went digital this year, but that did not stop nearly 100 advocates across the US from participating in virtual advocacy through the Advocacy Action Center. THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to create a letter for Members of Congress. Together, we make our voices heard by lawmakers and…
What is Convalescent Plasma?
By Dr. David Saperstein Antibodies (also known as immunoglobulins) play an important role in health and illness. Many of you regularly receive intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to treat your autoimmune disease. Flooding a person’s system with antibodies from normal, healthy individuals can reverse problems caused by abnormally overactive immune systems. However, providing antibodies that fight a specific infection can…
Global Plasma Leaders Collaborate to Accelerate Development of Potential COVID-19 Hyperimmune Therapy
Partnership brings together world-leading plasma companies to focus on developing and delivering a hyperimmune immunoglobulin in the global fight against COVID-19.
Work Continues for CSL Behring During the Pandemic
Patient groups praise U.S. guidelines that designate plasma centers, manufacturing sites as essential. See full article
Update on Home Infusion & Medicare During COVID-19 Pandemic
Earlier this week, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released new guidelines for the coverage of home infusion during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new guidelines allow for more flexibility for patients and their physicians to decide the best setting for ongoing treatments. Given your current situation, you may be able to access home…
#ItsMyTurn
In partnership with Immunoglobulin National Society, we encourage our community to join the #ItsMyTurn campaign. This campaign encourages people who are able, to take action that directly impacts the patients we serve, by donating plasma! How Do I Donate and Join the Campaign? Locate your nearest Plasma Donation Center Donate plasma. Take a picture or a…
Advocating for Plasma Donations and Home Infusion
The GBS|CIDP Foundation International recently led the American Plasma Users Coalition (APLUS) in creating a letter to federal and state agencies regarding two important topics to our community: plasma donations and home infusion. The Foundation and APLUS want to make sure that lawmakers are aware that plasma collection centers are considered “essential” according to the…
Update on Coronavirus (COVID-19) – March 19th
Dear GBS|CIDP Community, We know that this is a challenging time for everyone as the news of the pandemic is evolving each day. Please know we are here for you and the GBS|CIDP Foundation International is committed to addressing your concerns as accurately and efficiently as possible. A number of our members have reached out…
Resource from PPTA Regarding COVID-19
The Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) has provided a statement specific to plasma protein therapies in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. CLICK HERE to read the statement. The PPTA notes that their Pathogen Safety Steering Committee continues to monitor the situation and is currently working on a broader update for the community. We will share these…
In Response to NY Times article, “What is the Blood of a Poor Person Worth?”
Imagine the shock and helplessness of seeing your child’s body suddenly growing weak, clumsy, and unable to walk, or even stand; the fear that they may never live a normal life, or even survive this terrifying, disabling disorder.