Expanding and Promoting Expertise in Review of Rare Treatments Act of 2012 (EXPERRT Act)

The EXPERRT Act, or the Expanding and Promoting Expertise in Review of Rare Treatments Act of 2012, was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 8 by Cystic Fibrosis Caucus co-chairs Reps. Ed Markey (D-MA), Tom Marino (R-PA), and Cliff Stearns (R-FL) and in the Senate on March 29 by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

If it becomes law, the EXPERRT Act will make it easier for the FDA to access the outside expertise they need to understand the science behind new drugs intended to treat cystic fibrosis and other rare diseases and subtypes of diseases.

By systematically collaborating with researchers, doctors, and other experts, FDA reviewers will be able to review breakthrough new treatments more efficiently and get them into the hands of patients.

How you can support the EXPERRT Act:

• Take action by emailing your elected officials and urging them to support the EXPERRT Act.
  
  
• Tell your family and friends to email their members of Congress to gather support for the EXPERRT Act.

Explore the resources below to learn more about the EXPERRT Act.

• The EXPERRT Act Fact Sheet — Get the facts about the EXPERRT Act of 2012, including how the Act benefits people with CF.
  
  
• Frequently Asked Questions — Find answers to frequently asked questions, such as how the EXPERRT Act enhances the FDA’s review process, how it differs from other proposed legislation, and the importance of increasing rare disease expertise during drug review.
  
  
• Full Text: EXPERRT Act — Search by title “EXPERRT” or bill number “HR 4156” or “S 2281” to view the full text of the EXPERRT Act and the most up-to-date information on the bill.
  
  
• Read a letter from Dr. Robert J. Beall, President and CEO of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, to the sponsors of the EXPERRT Act expressing the Foundation’s support for increased collaboration between the FDA and rare disease experts during the drug review process.
  
  
• View a letter of support from various patient groups representing millions of Americans with rare and genetic conditions who support the EXPERRT Act.

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Read our public policy agenda or visit our Advocacy Toolkit.

If you have any questions, please email publicpolicy@cff.org.

Updated 4/17/2012