SENATE VERSION OF BILL TO EXTEND MEDICARE COVERAGE OF
IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE DRUGS COULD BENEFIT PKD PATIENTS

PKD Foundation supports legislation, but treatment or cure to avoid transplant is ultimate goal.

(Kansas City, MO) November 13, 2007— Legislation to extend Medicare coverage of immunosuppressive drug therapies could benefit the 600,000 Americans living with polycystic kidney disease (PKD). The Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Transplant Patients Act (S. 2320) was introduced by Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Thad Cochran (R-MS).

PKD is one of the most common life-threatening genetic diseases. PKD causes cysts to form in the kidneys and eventually the kidneys fail. Dialysis and transplantation are the only treatments for kidney failure. There is no cure for PKD.

Most kidney transplant recipients qualify for Medicare immunosuppressive drug coverage. But unless they have other disabilities, that immunosuppressive drug coverage ends 36 months after transplant. Patients are then forced to find other ways to pay for these expensive medications, which can cost thousands of dollars per month. S. 2320 eliminates that 36-month cap.

"Lifting the 36-month cap on Medicare coverage for immunosuppressive drugs is a terrific benefit. It will help assure the long-term success of these transplanted organs and ultimately help avoid the cost of dialysis or repeat transplantation for many patients who cannot afford the continued cost of these vital drugs on their own," said Dr. Ronald Perrone, Chairman of the PKD Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee. "However, finding a treatment or cure for polycystic kidney disease (PKD) would eliminate the need for dialysis or organ transplantation for 600,000 Americans who suffer from PKD," he added. "This is the PKD Foundation’s ultimate goal."

To arrange interviews with Dr. Perrone or PKD patients, contact Media Manager, Jennifer Robinson at (800) PKD-CURE or jenniferr@pkdcure.org.