House Passes Congresswoman Matsui's Acquired Bone Marrow Failure Diseases Research and Treatment Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 30, 2010

CONTACT: MARA LEE
(202) 225-7163

The House of Representatives passed Congresswoman Doris Matsui's (CA-05) Acquired Bone Marrow Failure Diseases Research and Treatment Act, H.R. 1230 early Thursday morning, which would advance the research, treatment, and education available about acquired bone marrow failure diseases, which although rare, are often fatal. Little research on these set of diseases have been pursued to date, which leaves patients unnecessarily struggling from what could be preventable or treatable diseases.

As someone who has had a personal connection to these diseases, I understand the difficulties faced by the thousands of Americans who suffer from these painful and potentially life-threatening diseases, said Congresswoman Matsui. H.R. 1230 will bring a long overdue and focused approach to the ongoing research on the causes of bone marrow diseases and improve treatment options for those that suffer from them.

Every year, at least 20,000 Americans are diagnosed with some form of acquired bone marrow failure disease, and while individuals stricken with these conditions can take some action to prolong their lives, this diagnosis offers little hope that affected patients will ever fully recover. H.R. 1230, the Acquired Bone Marrow Failure Disease Research and Treatment Act, would enhance and intensify current and future efforts in the fight against bone marrow failure diseases.

The Matsui legislation would support increased research on these still relatively unstudied diseases, including what genetic and environmental factors may be associated with the condition and best practices for the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. H.R. 1230 would also authorize coordinated outreach and informational programs targeted to minority populations affected by these diseases, including information on treatment options and clinical trials research.

I am so pleased that the House has acted in a bipartisan manner to pass this important legislation, and am hopeful that the Senate will act quickly on this measure, Congresswoman Matsui added. I believe this bill presents us with an opportunity to help advance groundbreaking research that will ease the suffering that so many Americans have endured. Research will help lead to cures and improved early detection, thereby saving lives and money.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee had recently passed H.R. 1230 by voice vote and with bipartisan support. The legislation has 62 co-sponsors in the House and now goes to the Senate for consideration.