Wyden Applauds Precision Medicine Initiative

Statement

Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., made the following statement today in response to the White House disclosing details about the Precision Medicine Initiative, a $215 million proposal that would accelerate research on biomedical therapies and cures tailored to individuals and provide new tools to physicians to treat disease:

"The Precision Medicine Initiative is an important and welcome step forward in our ability to better identify and treat a broad range of illness," Wyden said. "I applaud the President for acknowledging the possibilities that precision medicine can offer while recognizing the work that has already begun in the private sector. I hope this public-private partnership will be a catalyst that brings us better and more efficient treatments.

"The value and untapped potential of precision medicine is something I feel strongly about. After authoring the personalized medicine provision in the Affordable Care Act, I am encouraged by the President's decision to build upon -- and improve -- the ability for scientists, physicians, manufacturers, and others to develop therapies specifically tailored to an individual's unique diagnosis. Precision medicine has the potential to help millions of people, particularly those diagnosed with cancer and chronic disease, get the most appropriate treatment from the moment they're diagnosed and to live healthier lives. I look forward to working in a bipartisan way to bring the President's vision into reality," Wyden said.

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