U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY) recently emphasized the importance of the 21st Century Cures Act (HR 6), expressing his full support.
Zeldin stated in a column in the Long Island Exchange that the act will improve personalized medicine, which is crucial to developing and tailoring treatments specific to the needs of patients.
“In the 21st century, we must boldly advance our research to create the next generation of cures and deliver hope to those suffering from various diseases, both rare and widespread,” Zeldin said. “Cancer, Parkinson’s, diabetes, kidney disease and multiple sclerosis are just some of the many diseases that touch all of our lives. However, according to the National Institutes of Health, there are currently 10,000 known diseases, with 7,000 of these identified diseases or disorders considered to be 'rare.' Rare diseases affect 200,000 people or less, but collectively affect more than 300 million people across the world.”
The act will be an important part of funding and producing new cures and treatments for patients throughout the U.S., Zeldin said.
Zeldin is a member of the House Cancer Caucus and Congressional Diabetes Caucus.
Medical and political leaders hope to make 21st century precision medicine more oriented toward patients -- something best done with personalized medication. Zeldin believes that, by tailoring the medications, patients can receive treatments specific to their unique, individual health needs.
