BIO Applauds Introduction of Bipartisan Legislation to Reauthorize Program That Encourages Rare Pediatric Disease Research

BIO President and CEO John F. Crowley today released the following statement after a bipartisan group of Senators, Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), introduced the Creating Hope Reauthorization Act to reauthorize the Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher Program:

“For more than a decade, the rare pediatric disease priority review voucher program has offered immeasurable hope to countless families. At no cost to taxpayers, the voucher program has helped incentivize the development of nearly four dozen new medicines for children with rare diseases. The program demonstrates how smart government policy, combined with the scientific skill and dedication of America’s biotechnology industry, can lead to innovative new medicines for patients. As a father of two children with a rare disease, I am grateful that lawmakers are working together, on a bipartisan basis, to continue this vital program and hope it’s signed into law as soon as possible.”

The Creating Hope Reauthorization Act (HR 7384) was introduced in the House earlier this year by Rep. Mike McCaul (R-TX), Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Rep. Nannette Barragan (D-CA), Rep. Michael Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), and Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA). The current program expires Sept. 30, 2024.