PhRMA Joins National Bipartisan Coalition to Fight Chronic Disease

PhRMA Joins National Bipartisan Coalition to Fight Chronic Disease

Washington, D.C. (May 15, 2007) — Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) President and CEO Billy Tauzin issued the following statement today regarding the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD).

“America’s pharmaceutical research companies believe that to improve the health of Americans, we must start with prevention of chronic disease. That is why PhRMA is proud to join with over 40 other partners in a national bipartisan coalition effort to battle chronic disease: the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD). We want to make sure that the issue of chronic disease is the key health care issue in the 2008 presidential election.

“Chronic diseases account for seven out of ten deaths in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These diseases also are the primary driver of health care costs – nearly 75% of yearly health care spending in the U.S. With the stakes this high, we must do everything we can to avoid disease before it becomes so costly to patients and to the health system overall.

“While prescription drugs can help treat chronic disease and help prevent conditions from worsening, they are not the best solution. Prevention is the key. Working together through the PFCD, we hope to broaden understanding of the problem of chronic disease among our nation’s leaders so that we can better address solutions. PhRMA is committed to finding the proven policies and practices that – if implemented on an individual, state, and national level – will have a tremendous, positive impact on our nation’s health and healthcare system.

“Together – through the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease – we can make a difference. America’s pharmaceutical research companies are happy to play a role in this very vital effort.”

About the PFCD

The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease is a national, bi-partisan coalition of patients, providers, community organizations, business and labor groups, and health policy experts. They are committed to raising awareness of chronic disease and the policies and practices that save lives and reduce health costs through more effective prevention and management of chronic disease.

The mission of the PFCD is to:

Educate the public about chronic disease and potential solutions for individuals and communities Mobilize Americans to call for change in how governments, employers, and health institutions approach chronic disease Challengepolicymakers on the health policy changes that are necessary to effectively fight chronic disease Currently, more than 40 advisory board members and partner organizations from across the country have joined the PFCD. For more information on the partnership, please visit: www.fightchronicdisease.org.