STEARNS RECOGNIZED FOR OFFERING FAST ACT TO HELP THE FDA SPEED DRUGS AND TREATMENTS TO PATIENTS

WASHINGTON, MAY 14, 2012 – The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is presenting Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL) with its National Health Leadership Award.  The award will be presented on Tuesday, 25th at 7:45 PM during a gathering of 500 members of the rare diseases community. "This is NORD's opportunity to celebrate excellence and to say thank you on behalf of rare disease patients to those who have advanced the cause," said NORD President and CEO Peter L. Saltonstall. Stearns is being honored for introducing H.R. 4132, the Faster Access to Specialized Treatment (FAST) Act.  The language of H.R. 4132 was included and approved by the Energy and Commerce Committee last week during consideration of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Reform Act.

Said Stearns, “It’s an honor to receive this distinction from the tireless advocates for those suffering from rare diseases. The FAST Act will help the FDA to implement broadly effective processes for the expedited development and review of innovative new medicines addressing serious or life-threatening diseases by using modern scientific tools.”