Newswise — Chicago, IL (December 13, 2016): – The Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) applauds President Obama for signing the landmark legislation, the 21st Century Cures Act into law today. After nearly 18 months of deliberation and negotiations, this new law will allow for significant advancements in the discovery and development of life-saving and life-improving therapies. HOPA is especially pleased that the bill includes $1.8 billion for the Beau Biden Cancer Moonshot, the initiative that was led by Vice President Joe Biden and named after his son former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden, who died last year of brain cancer.
Over the past year, HOPA has contributed to the Moonshot initiative by participating in the Cancer Moonshot Summit in June 2016 and working with cancer community partners to urge Congress to move the initiative forward. “Our focus going forward is to communicate the ways in which oncology pharmacists support the important initiatives of the 21st century Cures Act, in particular our role in drug development, cancer research, and supporting cancer patients in their treatment including pain management and increasing their access to cancer medications,” said HOPA President Sarah Peters, PharmD MPH BCOP.
The 21st Century Cures Act directs about $4.8 billion over 10 years for various research initiatives at NIH and an extra $500 million to the FDA over the next nine years to carry out changes required by the bill to some of its drug and device approval processes. “We are pleased with the investment in research for cancer treatment and thank Representatives Upton and DeGette and Senator Alexander for their leadership to ensure that new innovations are possible,” states Peters.
HOPA
HOPA is a nonprofit professional organization formed in 2004 to help oncology and hematology pharmacy practitioners and their associates optimize the care of individuals affected by cancer through the support and advancement of oncology pharmacy practice. HOPA supports research, conducts educational conferences to advance knowledge, encourages professional development and advocates for health policy issues that improve patient care. HOPA has more than 2,650 members and includes oncology pharmacists, as well as pharmacy interns, residents, technicians, researchers, and administrators specializing in hematology/oncology practice. For more information, visit www.hoparx.org.
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