Children's Organization Welcomes Plan to Test Important Medicines for Children

1/21/2003

From: Gary Karton of EGPAF, 202-296-9165 WASHINGTON, Jan. 21 -- The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation welcomes the federal government's plan to fund the testing of 12 commonly prescribed, off-patent drugs that urgently need to be studied for use in children. The Department of Health and Human Services announced today that up to $25 million will be available for pediatric testing in FY 2003 and up to $50 million in FY 2004. The Administration's announcement does not make clear whether the FY 2003 funding for pediatric testing represents new dollars or is being reallocated from other, existing children's programs. The Administration's announcement comes in response to requirements in the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act of 2002 (BPCA). The BPCA calls for increasing pediatric testing of off-patent drugs through two mechanisms -- public funding, like that announced today, and private funding, through donations from pharmaceutical companies and other private sources. While the announcement today moves the ball forward in terms of the public mechanism for pediatric testing, unfortunately, similar progress has not been made by the private sector mechanism. To date, the drug industry has pledged only $1.6 million toward the testing of off-patent drugs, far less than the approximately $5 million needed to fund even one children's clinical trial. "The Administration has taken an important first step toward improving children's health," said Kate Carr, president and CEO of The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. "We now urge Congress to follow through on today's announcement by appropriating money for this important research in Fiscal Year 2004. The drug industry must do its part as well. Dozens more off-patent drugs now need to be tested for children and that number will only grow. Pharmaceutical companies should also step up to the plate and help taxpayers shoulder the cost of ensuring the safety and effectiveness of drugs for children." The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is a leading nonprofit organization committed to ensuring better overall medical treatments for children, preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, creating a healthier future for children worldwide.