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As you may know, last week we announced encouraging results from Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated‘s Phase 2a trial of VX-809, one of the first investigational drugs aimed at treating the underlying causes of cystic fibrosis. Learn more about this exciting advancement.The remarkable progress of VX-809 is a reminder of why it is so important to remove barriers that prevent people with CF from participating in clinical trials. Passing the “Improving Access to Clinical Trials Act of 2009” will allow people with CF who are on public benefits to participate in important research without losing their health coverage. We continue to work with Congressional supporters to chart the best path forward for the bill. There are two options to pass the bill:

Option #1: On its own

Non-controversial, bi-partisan and no-cost legislation like the clinical trials bill may be considered under special procedural rules. Thanks to your hard work, 110 members of the House, and eight members of the Senate have signed on as co-sponsors, meeting the requirements to provide the bill the opportunity to advance on its own.

Option #2: As part of a health care reform bill

Despite the shift away from health reform in past weeks, our sponsors – several of whom are key negotiators on health reform – continue to consider it as an option and the best opportunity to move the bill sooner rather than later.

Read more about what H.R. 2866 would do.

The bill has two viable opportunities because you made it clear to your members of Congress that this is a priority for you and should be for them as well.

Ask your members of Congress to keep the “Improving Access to Clinical Trials Act” on their agenda until it passes.

Looking to do more to help fight CF? Sign up for a GREAT STRIDES walk!This spring, take steps to cure cystic fibrosis by signing up for a GREAT STRIDES walk. Join tens of thousands of co-workers, friends and family come together each year as one community for one cause…to help find a cure for CF. In 2009, nearly $35 million was raised to support vital CF programs. Register online today!

Thank you for your support!

Mary B. Dwight
Vice President for Government Affairs
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
(800) FIGHT CF
publicpolicy@cff.org

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To learn more about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, visit www.cff.org.