Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation (CCCF) Hosts a Petition to Support Legislation to Strengthen Life-saving Drugs

A petition circulated by the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation (CCCF) has been signed by 2,485 people supporting H.R. 1956, legislation which will encourage drug innovation and create a pathway for "follow-on biologics."

(PRWEB) June 13, 2007 -- The Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation (http://www.candlelighters.org/) (CCCF) announced today that over 2,485 signers have added their names to a petition to support H.R. 1956 (http://candlelighters.org/petition.stm). Known as 'The Patient Safety and Innovative Medicines Act,' this legislation would create a pathway for 'follow-on biologics,' or lower cost versions of biologic drugs that does not endanger the development of future cures.

The CCCF represents children with cancer and their families, consisting of over 50,000 members and 100,000 affiliate members nationally, and advocates for the creation of new life-saving medicines on their behalf. Because children with cancer and their families are anxiously awaiting the next breakthrough for treatment, the CCCF supports legislation that encourages the development of new medicines.

The petition highlights the need to maintain a healthy pipeline for new innovative drugs, and urges Congress to create a pipeline for 'follow-on biologics' that will establish an appropriate balance between reducing cost of treatment and ensuring the treatments' safety, while providing incentives for innovation.

About CCCF:

The Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation National Office was founded in 1970 by concerned parents of children with cancer. Today our membership of over 50,000 members of the national office and more than 100,000 members across the country, including Candlelighters affiliate groups, includes:

-- Parents of children who are being treated or have been treated for cancer

-- Children with cancer

-- Survivors of childhood cancer

-- Immediate or extended family members

-- Bereaved families

-- Health care professionals

-- Educators

Visit our web site at http://candlelighters.org/

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