The Lupus Research Alliance proudly announces that the last major hurdle to the 21st Century Cures Act has been cleared as the U.S. Senate joined the House of Representatives in voting for its passage by an overwhelming majority vote of 94 to 5. Capping two years of consistent advocacy work, the bill is now cleared for President Obama’s signature.

Co-CEO Margaret G. Dowd commented: “The Lupus Research Alliance and lupus advocates throughout the country have worked tirelessly to help shape the 21st Century Cures Act to reflect the patient perspective. Passing this landmark legislation demonstrates the power of advocacy and a united voice.”

The approved bill promises to benefit all patients by addressing specific requests to:

• Strengthen and accelerate National Institutes of Health (NIH) biomedical research
• Incorporate patient feedback in developing potential new treatments
• Increase and streamline clinical trials
• Shorten time for drug development
• Include real world data in FDA’s consideration of a new use for approved drugs

“The 21st Century Cures Act furthers many of our organization’s central objectives,” noted Lupus Research Alliance Co-CEO Kenneth M. Farber. “Our primary concern is for lupus patients to have safe and effective treatments while science continues to advances toward a cure.”

The Lupus Research Alliance thanks the authors of the bill as proponents of this critical legislation: Fred Upton (R-MI), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Joe Pitts (R-PA) and Gene Green (D-TX).