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At a 21^st Century Cures roundtable hosted by Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH) and Congressman Bill Johnson (R-Marietta) yesterday at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, participants from the education, research and science fields discussed the challenges to accelerating the discovery, development and delivery of cures and how Ohio can lead in these efforts. The roundtable built off the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s 21^st Century Cures initiative, which examines how we can accelerate the pace of cures and treatments to keep America at the forefront of health care innovation.

“Our 21^st Century Cures roundtable showcased the groundbreaking research and amazing work being done across Ohio to expedite the discovery, development and delivery of cures,” said Latta. “The United States has always excelled in research and development funding, and we need to continue to encourage investment to ensure we remain a leader in health care innovation. As one participant said, ‘Team Ohio is ready for the challenge,’ and I look forward to continuing to work with our medical schools and industry partners to accelerate the #Path2Cures.”

At the 21^st Century Cures roundtable, participants highlighted the state’s cutting-edge pediatric gene therapy research. In addition, they emphasized the need for further collaboration amongst all entities involved in the development of cures, especially as it pertains to how data is shared. Next, they stressed the importance of NIH funding, and how it is imperative to allowing researchers to continue innovating. Finally, they indicated that 42 percent of a researchers’ time is currently consumed by administrative duties rather than actual research, underscoring the need to bring the cycle of cures into the 21st Century.

Under the 21^st Century Cures initiative, the House Energy and Commerce Committee is examining the full spectrum of the cure development process – from discovering clues in basic science to streamlining the drug and device development process, and unleashing the power of digital medicine and social media at the treatment delivery phase. To date, the Committee has held nine hearings and forums, like the one hosted by Latta and Johnson, across the country. These events will provide the framework for future legislation to position the United States as a health care innovation leader in the 21^st Century by ensuring the cure development process is advanced and not delayed by regulatory policies.

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