The 21st Century Cures Act represents a positive change in how American biomedical research will be conducted and streamlines the processes intended to deliver new medical cures and treatment to patients. Currently being considered for a vote on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives later this month, the bill, also known as H.R. 6, has been a bipartisan effort, passing out of the House Energy & Commerce Committee in May by a vote of 51-0.
The pace of scientific discovery since the turn of the century has accelerated at a speed that was not possible a generation ago. This bill was developed after the realization by leaders in Congress that the current health care innovation infrastructure needed improvement to accommodate these advances in science. H.R. 6 removes barriers to research collaboration, helps modernize clinical trials, facilitates patient input into the research and development process, encourages more young scientists to pursue careers in research, and authorizes an additional $10 billion for research funding at the National Institutes of Health.
This bill has received an outpouring of support not only in Congress, but from patients, advocacy organizations, including the Alliance for Aging Research, news outlets, and leading researchers.
We encourage you to show your support for the 21st Century Cures Act by contacting your congressperson and letting them know you want their vote on this critical legislation. You can follow and participate in the conversation around 21st Century Cures on Twitter using the #cures2015.
