American Lung Association Launches EAP Awareness Campaign Amid Treatment Access Gaps
Event summary
- American Lung Association launched a campaign on July 15, 2026 to educate patients about Expanded Access Programs (EAPs) for severe lung diseases.
- EAPs provide investigational treatments when clinical trials are unavailable or inaccessible.
- Costs for EAP treatments are typically out-of-pocket, with limited insurance coverage options.
- Partnership with Savara Inc. aims to improve awareness and access to EAP resources.
The big picture
The campaign highlights a critical gap in treatment access for rare lung diseases, where clinical trials are often inaccessible. The American Lung Association's initiative aligns with broader trends in patient advocacy and regulatory flexibility for investigational therapies. Partnerships like the one with Savara Inc. may set a precedent for how nonprofits collaborate with biotech firms to address unmet medical needs.
What we're watching
- Awareness Impact
- The pace at which patient awareness of EAPs improves following the campaign.
- Regulatory Oversight
- How FDA coordination with treatment manufacturers affects EAP accessibility.
- Cost Barriers
- Whether insurance coverage for EAP treatments expands to reduce financial burdens.