Washington, DC - October 30, 2009 — The Personalized Medicine Coalition today said it is pleased with the addition of language on genetics and personalized medicine in the House health reform bill's section on comparative effectiveness research, and urged House leaders to ensure CER is fully aligned with the emerging science of personalized medicine by adopting CER legislation introduced by Rep. Kurt Schrader (H.R. 2502).

"As highlighted in the report released this week by the Lewin Group, it is critically important to align comparative effectiveness research and personalized medicine," PMC Executive Director Edward Abrahams said. "We appreciate the initial improvements made in the House bill, and urge House leaders to adopt H.R. 2502 to advance CER that is in step with the science of personalized medicine. This bill provides a strong framework for supporting CER that is centered on patients and grounded in good science."

Abrahams noted that H.R. 2502 is similar to legislation introduced by Sens. Baucus and Conrad (S. 1213), which PMC supports. "By creating an independent Institute with diverse representation on its board, the bill will ensure that research takes advantage of the knowledge and perspectives of a wide range of experts and scientists, as well as patients, providers, and government officials," Abrahams said. S. 1213 and H.R. 2502 also include strong provisions related to research integrity, peer-review and transparency, he noted.

"As highlighted by numerous scientists in academe, industry and government, personalized medicine offers the promise of improved patient outcomes and more efficient, effective care," Abrahams said. "PMC appreciates the growing recognition of the importance of aligning health care policy with the emerging science of personalized medicine. We look forward to working with leaders in the House and Senate to achieve this goal."

Contact:
Elizabeth Schwinn (eschwinn@personalizedmedicinecoalition.org)
Communications Director
Personalized Medicine Coalition
(202) 589-1770

About the Personalized Medicine Coalition
The Personalized Medicine Coalition (PMC), representing a broad spectrum of academic, industrial, patient, provider, and payer communities, seeks to advance the understanding and adoption of personalized medicine concepts and products for the benefit of patients. For more information on the Personalized Medicine Coalition, please visit www.PersonalizedMedicineCoalition.org.