APRIL 2009
AACR TO HOLD THREE CANCER POLICY FORUMS DURING ANNUAL MEETING
Policy forums will consider timely policy issues that affect cancer researchers
The AACR 100th Annual Meeting 2009, with the theme of "Science, Synergy and Success," will be held April 18-22 in Denver, Colorado. This year's meeting will feature three policy forums where attendees will have the opportunity to learn what the latest federal, state and local policies will mean for cancer research. Read more
SENATORS REVITALIZE THE NATION'S WAR ON CANCER
Senators Kennedy and Hutchison introduce long-anticipated cancer legislation
In late March, Senators Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) introduced the long-anticipated 21st Century Cancer Access to Lifesaving Early Detection, Research and Treatment (ALERT) Act (S. 717), legislation that is intended to revitalize the war on cancer by modernizing and advancing the National Cancer Program of the United States. Read more
CONGRESS SETS BUDGET PRIORITIES FOR FY2010
House and Senate approve spending blueprints that indicate support for cancer research
With work on fiscal year (FY) 2009 appropriations and the economic stimulus package behind them, lawmakers are now focused on setting spending priorities for FY2010, which begins October 1. Read more
HOUSE VOTES TO ALLOW FDA TO REGULATE TOBACCO
Widely supported measure now advances to the Senate
The U.S. House of Representatives voted on April 2 to grant the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority to regulate the production and marketing of tobacco products. Read more
SEBELIUS CONFIRMATION STALLED
Vote to confirm HHS nominee delayed until after April 20
The U.S. Senate adjourned on April 2 for a two-week recess without holding an expected vote to confirm Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) nominee, Governor Kathleen Sebelius. Read more
HAMBURG SELECTED TO LEAD FDA
Appointee still awaiting senate confirmation
Margaret Hamburg, M.D., has been nominated to become the next commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Read more
DEBATE HEATS UP OVER COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS RESEARCH
Stakeholders weigh in on research design and use of data
As a result of the recent economic stimulus act, there will soon be a surge of comparative effectiveness research (CER) aimed at better understanding and comparing the clinical merits of different treatments, devices and procedures. Read more
LEGISLATORS PROPOSE REGULATORY PATHWAYS FOR GENERIC BIOTECH DRUGS
Potential for health care savings drives increased interest in generic biologics
Two competing proposals have recently been introduced to help establish a regulatory pathway for the approval of generic biologics. Read more
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