Lubbock Times

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House Budget Committee Health Care Task Force Chair Michael C. Burgess, M.D. released a statement in recognition of Rare Disease Day, emphasizing the importance of supporting Americans impacted by rare diseases. Burgess expressed gratitude towards patient advocates stating, "Your voices are needed now more than ever." He also raised concerns about the impact of policies proposed by Congressional Democrats and President Biden on innovative research and development in the field of rare diseases.

Burgess specifically highlighted the potential negative effects of the Democrats' Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on the development of new cures and treatments for rare diseases. He stated, "Democrats’ so-called Inflation Reduction Act... imposed government price controls on prescription drugs... [and] forced biopharmaceutical innovators to halt development." The House Budget Committee’s Health Care Task Force, under Burgess' leadership, aims to address these concerns and analyze the implications of such policies on patients and the budget.

Additionally, various sources have raised alarms about the potential consequences of the IRA on patients with rare diseases. A report by STAT warned that the IRA could undermine the progress made in treating rare diseases by creating disincentives for exploring new uses for drugs. Similarly, a publication by Health Affairs Forefront highlighted how the IRA could delay pharmaceutical launches and reduce indications, particularly affecting patients with rare diseases who may have to wait longer for access to innovative treatments.

In light of these concerns, Congressional Republicans, including Burgess, have been advocating for policies that support biomedical research and development. The 21st Century Cures Act, signed into law in 2016, aimed to expedite patient access to new medicines and increase patient involvement in the drug development process. Today, the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Health continued this work by examining proposals to support patients with rare diseases.

Moving forward, the Budget Committee Health Care Task Force, led by Burgess, will collaborate with the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to ensure accurate analysis of policies affecting patient access to new medicines, particularly for rare diseases. The CBO has called for feedback to improve its drug development model, emphasizing the need for policymakers to understand the tradeoffs associated with policies that could impede medical innovation.

In conclusion, Burgess and the House Budget Committee's Health Care Task Force are dedicated to advocating for policies that prioritize patient access to new treatments and cures, especially for individuals living with rare diseases. Their efforts underscore the importance of balancing regulatory measures with fostering innovation in the medical field.