The Scleroderma Foundation Applauds Introduction of First Bill in the Senate Promoting Research and Awareness of S...( DANVERS Mass. Aug. 4 -...),Health

DANVERS, Mass., Aug. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Scleroderma Foundation applauds Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) for introducing S. 1545, the "Scleroderma Research and Awareness Act" in the United States Senate. This important legislation, co-sponsored by Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY), 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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  SOURCE Scleroderma Foundation Copyright©2009 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

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