Multiple Sclerosis Coalition Applauds Passage of 21st Century Cures Act
Inclusion of data-gathering provision is vital to future MS research
The member organizations of the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition (MSC) congratulate the House on the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act – #Cures2015. The MSC specifically applauds the inclusion of H.R. 292 as a provision of the Act, the goal of which is to establish a data system to track the incidence and prevalence of neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis.
This provision will help advance MS research by establishing a data system to collect the size and makeup of the MS population. Currently, no one has an accurate account of how many people in the United States have MS or the demographic characteristics of those living with MS. As a result, MS researchers are working at a distinct disadvantage because they are operating without basic information about the disease. By establishing this data system, researchers will be supplied data that may point to new environmental triggers, which could lead to a better understanding of the disease and new disease targets.
“The collection of this data is vital to the future of MS research,” said Multiple Sclerosis Coalition President Lisa Skutnik. “We are proud to support this legislative effort to accelerate the discovery, development and delivery of treatments and thank the House Energy and Commerce Committee for their leadership on behalf of people with MS and other illnesses.”
Member organizations of the MS Coalition are: Accelerated Cure Project, the Consortium of MS Centers, Can Do Multiple Sclerosis, the International Organization of MS Nurses, Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and United Spinal Association. Find the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition online at ms-coalition.org or visit MSC on Facebook at facebook.com/MSCoalition and on Twitter at @MS_Coalition.
About the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition
The Multiple Sclerosis Coalition (MSC) was founded in 2005 by three independent multiple sclerosis organizations in an effort to work together to benefit individuals with MS. Since that time, the MSC has grown to eight member organizations, all of whom provide critical MS programs and services. The Multiple Sclerosis Coalition’s mission is to increase opportunities for cooperation and provide greater opportunity to leverage the effective use of resources for the benefit of the MS community.
