21st Century Cures (H.R. 6) bill passes in House by vote of 344-77
Washington, D.C. – July 10, 2015 – The following statement was issued by Peter L. Saltonstall, President and CEO of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), on today’s approval by the House of the 21st Century Cures legislative initiative.
Today’s passage in the House of the 21st Century Cures (H.R. 6) bill is a huge win for the rare disease community, which actively supported the legislation. By promising mandatory funding for the NIH, strengthening the FDA’s ability to streamline the clinical trials process, and further incentivizing the development of orphan products, 21st Century Cures will help pave the way for developing new cures and treatments, thereby closing the gap for the vast majority of the 7,000 rare diseases that currently have no approved treatment. The legislation positions the U.S. to be the continued international leader in medical product innovation.
NORD congratulates the House, Energy & Commerce Committee and the other groups who worked to help this initiative pass. Today’s vote underscores the bipartisan commitment to move this legislation through the House and we hope the same spirit of collaboration leads to prompt development of similar legislation for consideration by the Senate.
Peter L. Saltonstall
President and CEO, National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
