PKD FOUNDATION URGES PASSAGE OF GENETIC DISCRIMINATION BAN

Senate committee vote on draft bill scheduled next week

(Kansas City, MO) January 19, 2007 - 600,000 Americans who suffer from polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and their families stand to benefit from a genetic discrimination ban. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee is set to vote on the Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act on Wednesday, January 24.

PKD is the world’s most common, life-threatening genetic disease. For the 600,000 Americans suffering from PKD, fluid-filled cysts grow throughout the kidneys. Over time, these cysts get bigger and multiply, often leading to kidney failure. There is no treatment or cure for PKD. Until one is found, PKD will continue to affect every generation of every family that carries the PKD gene.

Many people know they carry the PKD gene. Yet, they choose not to seek testing, treatment or participate in clinical trials. They worry about having a PKD diagnosis on their health record and how that genetic marker may affect them or their children.

"Regrettably, genetic discrimination in America is alive and well jeopardizing the insurability, employability and/or promote-ability for ALL who inherit disease causing genes through no fault of their own,” said PKD Foundation President & CEO Dan Larson. “It’s time for federal legislation to protect these patients."

President Bush reiterated his support for genetic non-discrimination legislation during a visit to the National Institutes of Health this week.

The not-for-profit PKD Foundation is the only organization, worldwide, dedicated to finding a treatment and a cure for this devastating disease. For more information about PKD and the PKD Foundation, visit www.pkdcure.org or call 1-800-PKD-CURE.