The Innovation in Pediatric Drugs Act (H.R. 6664) is a bipartisan bill introduced in the House of Representatives in December of 2023 that would strengthen the development of childhood cancer drugs. We thank Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) and Rep. Mike McCaul (R-Texas) for their leadership as sponsors of this bill. In August 2024, a Senate version of the bill (S.4905) was introduced, by Senators Jack Reed and Shelley Moore Capito. 

In September 2024, provisions of this bill passed the U.S. House as part of a larger legislative package of pediatric drug development bills. Now we ask you to reach out to your Senators to seek their support and find a pathway for these provisions to become law.

For the past several years, Children’s Cancer Cause has advocated that the FDA have the same authority to penalize companies who fail to complete required studies for pediatric drugs as they currently have for studies of adult drugs. The Innovation in Pediatric Drugs Act strives to achieve that equity.

Here's what the bill’s sponsors have to say about it:

  •  “We don’t know whether a drug will be effective in children if we don’t test for it,” said Rep. Eshoo. “We’re entering a golden age of medicine thanks to innovative therapies to treat pediatric cancer and other rare diseases. Children must be included in the drug development process, which is why I’m introducing the Innovation in Pediatric Drugs Act to ensure children can benefit from advancements in new treatments and therapies.”

  • “Children deserve the best chance at beating any disease — no matter how rare," said Rep. McCaul. "If there's a drug out there that can cure a child, it's imperative we use every resource to study and bring it to market. As chair of the Childhood Cancer Caucus, I'm proud to stand with Rep. Eshoo once again to help protect the lives of our most precious investment: our children.”

  • “As I meet with doctors, researchers, and parents, I am often reminded that while children sadly can get adult diseases, they are not, in fact, small adults,” Sen. Capito said on Aug. 7. “That’s why it is essential medicines be studied specifically for children’s use, especially for rare diseases.

  • “Congress must work together to help address the unmet needs of those affected by rare diseases, particularly children.  The Innovation in Pediatric Drugs Act would include children in the drug development process to expand access to safe and effective treatments and therapies for children with rare ailments and appropriately meet their needs.  Our bipartisan bill would provide new paths for pediatric rare disease research and development and ensure patients with rare diseases aren’t left behind,” said Senator Reed.

The Innovation In Pediatric Drugs Act of 2023 would make needed improvements to the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act (BPCA) and the Pediatric Research Equity Act (PREA) and builds upon the promise of the Research To Accelerate Cures and Equity (RACE) Act.

Learn more about the bill:

We encourage you reach out to your Members of Congress to let them know about this legislation and ensure that it has a strong launch.

Follow the Children’s Cancer Cause Blog for updates on this legislation: