The RACE (Research to Accelerate Cures and Equity for Children Act) became law on August 18, 2017 following bi-partisan and collaborative action in Congress. This now provides childhood cancer equal footing on some drugs as they are developed for adult cancers.
Surprising to many, the Pediatric Research Equity Act (PREA) of 2003 did not achieve its intended results. While it required drug companies to develop pediatric versions of drugs developed for adults, most adult cancers occur in different body parts from those in children. As a result, childhood cancers were basically exempted, and no new drugs were ever developed for childhood cancers under PREA.
The RACE Act is an update to PREA and now requires drug companies to develop their cancer drugs not only for adults, but for children as well. If a childhood cancer has the same molecular target as an adult one does, RACE mandates drug companies will develop a pediatric version of the drug. Greater possibilities will now exist for new childhood cancer drug development.
Make Some Noise proudly endorses the RACE Act and is grateful to its proponents, including the Children’s Oncology Group, the Alliance for Childhood Cancer, and Kids V Cancer.
