North Austin News

U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul has reintroduced the Give Kids a Chance Act, aiming to accelerate pediatric cancer treatments and broaden access to therapies for children with rare diseases. The legislation was presented alongside Representatives Gus Bilirakis, Debbie Dingell, Kim Schrier, Diana Harshbarger, Kathy Castor, Mike Kelly, Doris Matsui, Dan Crenshaw, Lori Trahan, and Randy Weber.

The bill merges two initiatives: the original Give Kids a Chance Act and the Creating Hope Reauthorization Act. These aim to boost drug development for pediatric rare diseases and improve patient outcomes.

"No child should have to battle cancer," said Rep. McCaul. "I am proud to reintroduce this legislation... We have made great strides in pediatric drug development."

Congressman Gus Bilirakis highlighted the FDA Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher (PRV) program's role in developing 53 new treatment options for pediatric rare diseases. He emphasized restoring this measure as a priority.

Rep. Dingell stated that families deserve better research on how cancer therapies impact children. "This bill will expand pediatric cancer research," she noted.

Congresswoman Kim Schrier pointed out disparities in how cancer drugs are studied in adults versus children. She stressed the need for pediatric-focused research.

Each year about 16,000 U.S. children are diagnosed with cancer; however, treatment options remain limited compared to adults. The Give Kids a Chance Act seeks to reauthorize the FDA PRV program and direct companies to study combinations of cancer drugs in pediatric trials.

Since founding the Childhood Cancer Caucus, Rep. McCaul has led efforts like the RACE for Children Act and STAR Act to enhance childhood cancer research and survivor quality of life.