Companies in Connecticut are researching treatments that range from flu prevention for children to treatment for a rare disease that causes infants to suffer seizures, sometimes hundreds of times per day. "Medical advances made over the past several decades have revolutionized how we battle disease, improving and saving the lives of millions of children in America. Still, there is nothing more heart-wrenching than seeing a sick child," said Ken Johnson, senior vice president of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). "This report illustrates the exciting work being pursued by our industry's dedicated researchers - including thousands right here in Connecticut - on behalf of our young patients and their families awaiting new treatments and renewed hope."
The new "Medicines in Development for Children" report released by PhRMA was unveiled at the Legislative Office Building.
"We Work for Health Connecticut believes we should continue to provide an atmosphere to support and foster new research and medical advancements. Why shouldn't our state be among the first to win the fight against childhood disease," said Paul Pescatello, president and chief executive officer of Connecticut United for Research Excellence (CURE).
Among the pediatric medicines currently in the pipeline, the report reveals:
• 36 for genetic disorders, including cystic fibrosis, a relatively rare disease affecting 30,000 Americans.
• 25 for cancers, including leukemia and brain tumors. Despite significant progress, cancers are still the leading cause of death among American children ages five to 25.
• 23 for neurological disorders, including epilepsy, which afflicts more than 300,000 American children under age 14.
• 15 for respiratory disorders, including asthma, which afflicts about 6.7 million American children.
• 13 for cardiovascular diseases that affect children.
We Work for Health Connecticut is a coalition of local employers, universities, research centers, labor organizations, patient advocacy organizations, provider groups, community partners, bioscience research companies, vendors and suppliers that have formed to demonstrate the importance of the bioscience industry for jobs, economic development and quality of life through education and advocacy. The partnership works to improve Connecticut's health care system and strengthen the state economy.
