The Latest in ASTCT Advocacy: February 2024
ASTCT Comments on Senate HELP Gene Therapy RFI
In a letter submitted to Ranking Member Bill Cassidy, MD, of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) expressed gratitude for the opportunity to comment on the future of gene and cellular therapies.
The ASTCT provided insights into the definitions of "ultra-rare" diseases, patient access, utilization management tools, coverage issues, and the role of healthcare providers in prescribing these therapies. The Society urged the federal government to ensure patient access to therapies by advocating for a federal solution to address barriers and disparities in Medicaid coverage.
The letter also addressed the financial aspects, communication between stakeholders, and the need for outcomes-based agreements with manufacturers. ASTCT stressed the importance of timely access to therapies following FDA approval and emphasized the potential risks of excluding coverage for Accelerated Approval pathway treatments. They concluded by expressing support for efforts to enhance patient access to these innovative gene therapies.
Strategic Planning and Advocacy at the 2024 Tandem Meetings
ASTCT has kicked off the strategic planning process for 2024. Key stakeholders will be meeting to discuss the proposed strategies and initiatives at the 2024 Tandem Meetings of ASTCT and CIBMTR. There will be various opportunities to engage in ASTCT’s advocacy during Tandem 2024.
We encourage you to attend the following advocacy sessions and add them to your 2024 Tandem Meetings agenda:
ASTCT and NMDP Access Initiative Workshop
Wednesday, February 21, 2024 | 3:30 - 5:00 PM
NMDP and ASTCT continue to collaborate to address and reduce barriers to hematopoietic cell transplantation and cellular therapy in the United States.
Jeffery Auletta, representing CIBMTR, and Stella Davies representing ASTCT, will lead a discussion on the ACCESS initiative at the 2024 Tandem Meetings. The session will cover:
During the session, ACCESS leaders will discuss the following current projects:
• “Who is paying for transplants and cellular therapies? Gaps in Medicaid coverage by state.”
• “Patients who don’t get to a transplant: Analyses to Understand Who and Why”
• Health Equity Toolkit: “Health Equity in Practice: Let’s make it happen”
This will be an interactive and informative session. We encourage you to come with questions and ideas.
Learn more about the ACCESS Initative and sign up here to join ASTCT and NMDP in the fight to increase ACCESS to transplant and reduce inequities in the field.
Payer Relations at Tandem
ASTCT’s Payer Relations Committee will be hosting an ad hoc meeting at 2024 Tandem. Please join us for updates and discussion about the importance of fostering payer relationships and the future of ASTCT’s RFI process.
Additionally, the 2025 RFI documents will be released on ASTCT’s website in March following Tandem. Be on the lookout for the RFI documents and feel free to reach out with questions at info@astct.org.