PhRMA Statement on Rising Diabetes Numbers

Washington, D.C. (June 25, 2008) — Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) Senior Vice President Ken Johnson issued the following statement regarding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s announcement about diabetes’s prevalence in America:

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s estimate that nearly 24 million Americans suffer from diabetes underscores the threat that chronic disease represents to the United States.

“Even more troubling is the number of new cases, with the CDC identifying more than 3 million new cases of diabetes in the last two years.

“The good news is the drop in undiagnosed cases in the same period. Because of the importance of early treatment of chronic diseases such as diabetes, it is essential that diabetes patients are made aware of the lifestyle changes and therapies that may keep their illness under control, allowing them to live longer, healthier, more productive lives.

“While prescription drugs can help treat chronic disease and help prevent conditions from worsening, they are not always the best solution. Prevention is the key, and lifestyle changes can help to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. That is why PhRMA last year joined with over 40 other partners in a national bipartisan coalition effort to battle chronic disease: the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD).

“However, the fact is that millions of Americans with diabetes depend on prescription medications to stay healthy. As part of our commitment to them, America’s pharmaceutical research companies are engaged in rigorous development of new medicines that may help to treat chronic disease. According to a 2007 PhRMA survey, 95 medicines intended to fight diabetes are currently in development.

“Chronic diseases are a scourge to American health. The CDC has said that they account for seven out of ten deaths in the U.S. These diseases also are the primary driver of healthcare costs, accounting for nearly 75% of yearly healthcare spending in the U.S.

“Working with the PFCD, we hope to broaden understanding of the problem of chronic disease among our nation’s leaders so that we can better address solutions. PhRMA is committed to finding the proven policies and practices that will have a tremendous, positive impact on our nation’s health and healthcare system. Today’s announcement from the CDC reinforces the need for this intensive work.”

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The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country’s leading pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies, which are devoted to inventing medicines that allow patients to live longer, healthier, and more productive lives. PhRMA companies are leading the way in the search for new cures. PhRMA members alone invested an estimated $44.5 billion in 2007 in discovering and developing new medicines. Industry-wide research and investment reached a record $58.8 billion in 2007.

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