Howard Metzenbaum: “Today, Senator Nancy Kassebaum and I introduce S. 1981, the Orphan Drug Amendments of 1994. The bill is co-sponsored by…”

“Today, Senator Nancy Kassebaum and I introduce S. 1981, the Orphan Drug Amendments of 1994. The bill is co-sponsored by our colleague, the chairman of the Labor and Human Resources Committee, Senator Edward Kennedy. A companion bill is being introduced in the House of Representatives today by Health and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Henry Waxman. This legislation represents a rare legislative achievement in that it enjoys support from the national organization that represents the victims of rare diseases [NORD] and the national organization that represents the biotechnology industry, which produces many life-giving orphan drugs [BIO]. Consequently, the bill stands as a testament to the fact that Government, industry and consumer groups can work together to improve the lives of the American people. Today, thanks to the Orphan Drug Program, more than 100 orphan drugs are being sold for debilitating diseases, such as hemophilia B, Pagets disease and carnitine deficiency, and over 500 drugs are currently under development. The bill builds on this achievement and strengthens the program for both the victims of rare diseases and the biotechnology industry.”