The Scleroderma Foundation Applauds Introduction of First Bill In Congress Promoting Research and Awareness of S...( DANVERS Mass. May 15 /- The Scleroder...),Health

DANVERS, Mass., May 15 /PRNewswire/ -- The Scleroderma Foundation applauds Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA) and Rep. Vern Ehlers (R-MI) for introducing H.R. 2408, the "Scleroderma Research and Awareness Act" in the House of Representatives today. This bipartisan legislation gives hope to the estimated 300,000 Americans and their families living with this devastating disease.

Scleroderma is a chronic and disabling connective tissue disorder resulting from an overproduction of collagen. The word "scleroderma" means hardening of the skin, which is one of the most visible manifestations of the disease. Scleroderma can affect many areas of the body including the heart, lungs, kidneys and gastrointestinal system. There is no known cause and no cure. The disease disproportionately impacts women and minorities. African Americans are at a higher risk of developing systemic scleroderma, and women account for 80% of all diagnoses. The estimated total economic impact of scleroderma in the United States is $1.5 billion annually. The direct cost of treatment for patients is more than $460 million annually.

The "Scleroderma Research and Awareness Act" would:

• Direct the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases at the National Institutes of Health to expand research related to scleroderma. The legislation authorizes $25 million in FY10, $30 million in FY11, and $35 million in FY12 for this purpose. Priority areas include:
  • Development and evaluation of new treatments.
  • Research on the relationship between scleroderma and secondary conditions including: pulmonary hypertension, gastroparesis, Raynaud's phenomenon and Sjogren's syndrome.
  • Establishment of family and "childhood-onset" patient registries.
  • Support for the training of new investigators

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