PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release
Contact: Britani Kessler, D.O., Tel: 703.665.4650
E-mail: [email protected]
Sterling, VA—February 17th, 2015
AMSA/UAEM Supports HEAL Act to Address Public Health Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance
The American Medical Student Association (AMSA) and Universities Allied for Essential Medicines (UAEM) firmly support the Helping Effective Antibiotics Last (HEAL) Act, recently introduced by Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), as a critical measure to address the public health issue of antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial resistance poses distinct challenges, necessitating legislation that not only incentivizes the development of new antibiotics to meet unmet medical needs but also prevents the emergence of resistance to existing medications. The HEAL Act stands apart from other proposed legislation, including the Antibiotic Development to Advance Patient Treatment (ADAPT – HR. 3742) and Promise for Antibiotics and Therapeutics Act (PATH – S.185), by directly addressing both aspects essential to combating antimicrobial resistance.
The HEAL Act provides a more comprehensive framework by encouraging genuine innovation and protecting patient safety through stringent standards for clinical trials and ensuring the appropriate use of antibiotics. The bill prioritizes regulatory resources for urgently needed antibiotics by offering a streamlined development process. Additionally, HEAL emphasizes patient safety within the FDA approval process by aiming to prevent misuse and excessive usage of these new antibiotics. As medical and public health students, we wholeheartedly endorse the HEAL Act’s initiatives to curb the escalating crisis of antimicrobial resistance and view it as a meaningful advancement toward safer and more effective patient care in the future. AMSA and UAEM students will demonstrate their support for this essential legislation on Capitol Hill on February 26th, coinciding with AMSA’s Annual National Convention.
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American Medical Student Association
AMSA is the oldest and largest independent association of physicians-in-training in the United States. Founded in 1950, AMSA is a student-governed, nonprofit organization dedicated to representing the interests of physicians-in-training. To learn more about AMSA, our strategic priorities, or membership opportunities, please visit www.amsa.org.
Universities Allied for Essential Medicines (UAEM)
Universities Allied for Essential Medicines (UAEM) is an international, student-led nonprofit organization committed to improving global access to essential medicines. UAEM accomplishes its goals through advocacy for equitable university licensing practices, pioneering research and development strategies, and amplifying the voices of emerging health and science professionals.