♦ Patient Power Can Accelerate Access to Stem Cell Therapy

You may know from this blog that Patients For Stem Cells (PFSC) is a grassroots effort by patients who want to advance the progress of stem cell therapy. This therapy is an ideal candidate for the accelerated access programs being called for, from the wave of state laws granting “Right To Try” experimental therapies, to the “21st Century Cures Act” moving quickly through Congress.

AACT.coPFSC is pleased to announce we have joined forces with an organization founded with the goal of accelerating access to life saving cellular therapy, The Alliance for the Advancement of Cellular Therapies (AACT)

We’re inviting PFSC subscribers to join AACT as well. They have generously waived the patient membership fee to kick off this partnership!

To join go to AACT.co, click the Membership option and register for Citizen/Patient Membership – Free!

AACT is organizing the Chicago Stem Cell Showcase Sept 17-18. This is where the doctors and researchers in cellular therapy are gathering to explore “The Dilemma of Difficult Diseases: Cell Therapies to the Rescue?”

The Speakers are medical professionals at the forefront of cellular medicine, They need our support for sticking their necks out, in a regulatory environment that has been less than accommodating. We can do this by building a strong member base for AACT.

Members will get access to resources including:

  • Clinical trial information and statistics
  • Regulatory information and advocacy
  • Informative newsletter
  • Patient forums
  • Access to conference videos

After the Chicago conference, the presentation videos are going to be an incredible education resource for members. Take a look at the packed Agenda, you may see your own illness is going to be addressed by an expert in the field.

Cellular therapy is rarely covered by insurance in the U.S. except for blood cancers. Accelerated access programs are needed in the U.S., similar to what Europe and Japan are already adopting. Starting with difficult diseases for which there are few medical options, like ALS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Critical Limb Ischemia, Stroke, Heart Disease and many more. Tracking results of patients enrolled in accelerated access can speed approval and insurance coverage.

One of the founding members of PFSC, SammyJo Wilkinson, has volunteered to serve as Patient Advisory Board Chairman for AACT. She is a stem cell patient herself, and knows the frustration patients face. “The AACT patient portal is where patients can get the facts on cellular therapy in plain language. Then they can make better decisions before joining a medical trial, or spending money on therapies not yet covered by insurance. I am thrilled to be part of the PFSC and ACCT partnership!”

SammyJo will be communicating with members as the AACT website develops these resources, and will represent patient opinions to the Executive Board – especially on FDA issues. If you have opinions or want to get involved now in the advocacy process, send SammyJo an email at info@AACT.co

By becoming a member and inviting others to join, you can “AACT Now” to make a difference!

We encourage you to join the discussion in social media and give us your feedback!

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