LRA Advocates Make the Difference
LRA Advocates Make the Difference

June 29, 2021

Today the House Appropriations Committee released the bill that funds the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The bill’s accompanying report, which expresses Congressional intent for the use of the funding, includes this language regarding lupus drug development, which the Lupus Research Alliance advocated for along with our lupus patient advocates:

Lupus – The Committee is aware of barriers that have long affected the development of therapeutics for lupus, a disease that primarily targets women and disproportionately impacts African Americans, Latinas, Native Americans, and Asian Americans. The Committee is pleased that FDA participated in an externally-led, patient-focused drug development meeting with the lupus community and identified some of these barriers and that potential treatments are now in clinical trials. The Committee urges FDA to expedite its ongoing work with the lupus community to develop solutions to identified barriers that will accelerate development of new therapies. 

The Appropriations Committee’s inclusion of this language is the first critical step in ensuring FDA continues to work with the lupus community to address barriers that exist in drug development.  We will be sure to keep you informed as this bill continues through the legislative process, and identify opportunities when you can make your voice heard. Meanwhile, congratulations on a job well done!

Together, ManyOne Can make a difference!