As we approach the 2024 Senate elections in Pennsylvania, it is essential that we rally behind the Democratic candidate who has proven his commitment to the people of the state time and time again. That candidate is none other than Bob Casey.

Bob Casey has been a strong voice for the people of Pennsylvania since he was first elected to the Senate in 2006. He has fought tirelessly to protect the rights of working families, support small businesses, and promote economic growth across the state. He has been a champion of healthcare reform, advocating for accessible and affordable healthcare for all Pennsylvanians.

Throughout his years in the Senate, Bob Casey has consistently prioritized the needs of his constituents over partisan politics. He has worked across the aisle to find common ground and pass legislation that benefits the people of Pennsylvania. He has also been a vocal advocate for women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and civil rights.

As we look towards the future, it is crucial that we have leaders like Bob Casey in the Senate. He has proven time and time again that he has the experience, dedication, and passion to fight for the people of Pennsylvania and make a real difference in their lives.

So, let's come together and
show our support for Bob Casey as he runs for Senate in 2024. Together, we can
ensure that our voices are heard and that Pennsylvania continues to have a
strong and effective leader in the Senate.

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June 20, 2024

Casey, Mullin Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Spur Development of New Drugs to Treat Rare Childhood Diseases

Legislation would extend key FDA program that incentivizes development of new treatments for rare pediatric conditions including cancers Casey pushed for program’s creation in 2012, has reauthorized it in the years since Since 2012, the program has awarded 53 vouchers for 39 rare pediatric diseases that have led to innovations benefitting over 200,000 patients Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Children and Families, and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), member of the Subcommittee, introduced the Creating Hope Reauthorization Act to ensure that pharmaceutical companies continue to develop drugs to treat rare diseases affecting children, including types of cancer. The bipartisan legislation would extend the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher (PRV) program, which incentivizes drugmakers to create these novel treatments by bringing them on the market on an expedited timeline. “Too many children suffer from rare diseases with few treatment options,” said Senator Casey. “Our bipartisan bill will keep this critical voucher program going so drug companies don’t stop innovating new treatments to help sick kids. This is an investment in finding treatments and cures for rare diseases so that children get the care they need.” “Over the past decade, the Rare Pediatric Disease (RPD) Priority Review Voucher (PRV) program has successfully helped incentivize and expedite the development of new treatments and cures for young children with rare conditions including pediatric cancer and rare genetic disorders,” said Senator Mullin. “Our commonsense bill will reauthorize and extend the PRV to provide greater stability and fuel innovation to benefit a far greater number of pediatric patients living with rare diseases. One in ten Americans are living with a rare disease, but less than 10 percent of all rare diseases have an approved treatment option. It is important we do all we can to improve access to innovative health care options — especially for children. Thank you to Sen. Casey for joining me on this important legislation.” The PRV program has been a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of children living with rare medical conditions. Since Senator Casey pushed for its creation in 2012, this program has awarded 53 vouchers for 39 rare pediatric diseases that have led to innovations benefitting over 200,000 patients. 36 of those rare diseases had no previously approved therapies on the market at the time of approval. The Creating Hope Reauthorization Act would extend the PRV program through September 30, 2030, a longer period than previous reauthorizations. This will provide greater stability to innovators, encourage investment, and spur innovation in rare and neglected diseases that disproportionately impact children. In addition to Casey and Mullin, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Susan Collins (R-ME). This legislation is endorsed by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases, Haystack Project, Kids v Cancer, Life Sciences Pennsylvania, National Organization for Rare Disorders, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, and the Rare Disease Company Coalition. Read more about the Creating Hope Reauthorization Act here. ###

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