H.Con.Res. 31 — Introduced in House

IV 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. CON. RES. 31 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 15, 2013 Mr. Runyan (for himself and Mr. Schneider) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Supporting Rare Pituitary Disease Awareness. Whereas rare pituitary diseases are those which affect small patient populations, typically populations smaller than 2–3 cases per million individuals in the United States; Whereas many rare pituitary diseases are serious, life-threatening, and have limited treatment options; Whereas rare pituitary diseases and conditions include but are not limited to both Cushing's disease and Acromegaly; Whereas people with rare pituitary disease experience challenges such as difficulty in obtaining an accurate diagnosis, limited treatment options, difficulty finding physicians or treatment centers with expertise in their disease, diminished quality of life and physical function if untreated; Whereas there is a high need for medical education that will address the specific needs of patients with rare pituitary diseases, increase the speed of diagnosis and a number of correctly diagnosed patients; Whereas there have been great strides made in research and treatment due to the Orphan Drug Act of 1983; Whereas Rare Pituitary Disease Awareness helps to increase public awareness and understanding of rare pituitary diseases; Whereas there are a number of rare disease awareness initiatives for various rare conditions recognized on both State and Federal levels but none for rare pituitary disorders; Whereas Rare Pituitary Disease Awareness is anticipated to be observed globally in years to come, to provide hope and information for patients afflicted by Cushing's disease, Acromegaly and other pituitary diseases around the world; and Whereas both the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health have established special offices to advocate for rare disease research and treatments: Now, therefore, be it That the Congress— (1) supports Rare Pituitary Disease Awareness; (2) recognizes the importance of improving awareness and encouraging accurate and early diagnosis of Cushing's disease, Acromegaly and other rare pituitary diseases; and (3) supports a substantial national commitment to improving diagnostics and cures for rare pituitary diseases and quality of life for patients afflicted by these rare conditions.