In a vote of 392 – 26, the House passed 21st Century Cures, which includes the Creating Hope Act Pediatric Priority Review Voucher Program.
Pursuant to 21st Century Cures, the Creating Hope Act Pediatric PRV program will be extended to September 20, 2020. Moreover, rare pediatric disease drugs that receive designations by that date will have until September 20, 2023 to earn a voucher.
“This is a landmark step for our kids,” said Nancy Goodman, Executive Director of Kids v Cancer. “Going forward, drug companies will continue to have an opportunity to develop drugs for children with cancer and other life threatening illnesses. The Creating Hope Act works. It has generated almost $1 billion in industry-funded incentives already.”
21st Century Cures also includes support for other programs that benefit kids, including authorization for new funding for NIH, FDA, the Cancer Moonshot program (which includes provisions for pediatric research), and new mental health and drug abuse programs.
Once again, we thank Representatives Michael McCaul, G.K. Butterfield and Chris Van Hollen for their tireless work over the past many years as they championed bills to protect children with cancer and other life threatening illnesses.
In addition, we are grateful for the leadership of Chairman Fred Upton, Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Speaker Paul Ryan and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi in bringing 21st Century Cures to a successful vote.
The Senate is expected to vote on 21st Century Cures and the reauthorization of the Creating Hope Act next week.
Great work everyone. We did it!
The Kids v Cancer Team