CF Foundation Testifies Before Congress on Improving Rare Disease Research

June 18, 2009

Mary Dwight, vice president of government affairs for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, testified before the House Small Business Committee yesterday, June 17.

In her testimony, she urged Congress to support research for rare diseases at small biotechnology companies through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.

Ms. Dwight specifically asked the Committee to dedicate up to 10 percent of program funds toward rare disease research and to ease other requirements that have been impeding small companies from applying for funding under the SBIR program.

Many small biotechnology companies rely on SBIR grants in order to conduct innovative research programs for cystic fibrosis and other rare diseases. By enacting the changes Ms. Dwight noted, greater support would be available to companies developing potential therapies for CF.

Watch Ms. Dwight’s testimony on cystic fibrosis research and the need for a stronger investment in rare disease research.