The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) praised passage of legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives to accelerate the pace of cures and medical breakthroughs in the United States on Friday.
The 21st Century Cures Act, which passed the House on a 344-77 vote, also positions pharmacy to play an important role in the delivery of new drug treatments to patients.
The 21st Century Cures Act will help update many aspects of health policy in order to make some of the life-saving innovations that are emerging in the health care arena, including new medications, available to patients.
Approval of the measure was lead by House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) and Committee Member Diana DeGette (D-CO).
“NACDS commends the leadership of Chairman Upton and Rep. DeGette, and the diligence and support of the bill’s bipartisan and broad supporters in Congress,” NACDS President and CEO Steven Anderson said. “NACDS looks forward to helping to advance those important research provisions in the Senate, and ultimately to contribute to its implementation by the Executive Branch. Pharmacies and pharmacists in every community stand ready to help foster access to promising cures and treatments that can save and improve patients’ lives, and those of their loved ones.”
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