WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced bipartisan legislation to help prevent the spread of tuberculosis through transplanted human cell and tissue products (HCTP). The Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Products Safety Act, which Peters introduced with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS), was authored in response to a 2023 outbreak of tuberculosis in transplanted bone graft material which led to serious health complications and deaths for patients in Michigan and across the country. The legislation is named in honor of Shandra Eisenga of Marion in Osceola County, Michigan, who passed away on August 10, 2023, from post-surgical tuberculosis after receiving an infected graft. U.S. Representatives John Moolenaar (R-MI-04) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) introduced companion legislation in the House.

“Shandra’s death was devastating and preventable. No family should have to suffer through a tragic situation like this again, said Senator Peters. “This bill seeks to honor her memory by strengthening safety guidelines, oversight, and education for human cell tissue transplants.”

The Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Products Safety Act addresses the spread of tuberculosis in human cell and tissue products by conducting a national, evidence-based educational campaign to increase patient and health care provider awareness regarding the risks of HCTP transplants. The bill also requires FDA to issue a report to Congress on approaches and recommendations regarding the regulation of human cell and tissue products . It also creates a civil penalty for companies that have violations not meeting compliance standards.

Peters previously introduced similar legislation last Congress. Immediately following the tuberculosis outbreak in 2023, Peters also sent a letter urging the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to provide additional guidance and updated donor ineligibility criteria for human issue transplant products.