CONGRESS CAN EMULATE PKD FOUNDATION STANDARDS TO MAXIMIZE RETURN ON FUNDING INVESTMENTS

Board Member and PKD patient testifies before subcommittee on World Kidney Day

(Washington, DC) March 13, 2008 — “Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) research can serve as a model when setting standards to find treatments or cures for other serious, life threatening diseases,” said PKD Foundation Board Member and PKD patient, Michael Haggard, Esq. Testifying before the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee for Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies today, Mr. Haggard highlighted unprecedented scientific momentum achieved in the field of Polycystic Kidney Disease and the amazing return on investments made by the Federal Government. Mr. Haggard’s testimony also marks World Kidney Day and the importance of finding treatments or cures for this devastating disease.

PKD is one of the most common life-threatening genetic diseases, affecting 600,000 Americans. PKD causes cysts to form throughout the kidneys and eventually, the kidneys fail. Dialysis and transplantation are the only treatment options for kidney failure. There is no cure for PKD.

“Many Members of Congress are frustrated that National Institutes of Health has generated too few treatments and cures, despite the significant budget increases the agency received in the 1990’s. However, the investment by Congress and the NIH in PKD research has had a dramatic impact,” said Mr. Haggard.

The PKD Foundation has worked tirelessly to create unique public and industry partnerships to stimulate PKD research. In addition, PKD families across the nation have become more engaged in grass roots advocacy. Their efforts, along with the unprecedented scientific momentum currently underway in PKD research, have prompted Congress to adopt increasingly supportive Congressional Appropriations report language for PKD for 18 consecutive years.

“This effort is vitally important for hundreds of thousands of individuals with PKD, including my own family,” Mr. Haggard stated. “I want the legacy I leave my two children and future generations of my family to not include the suffering caused by PKD,” he added.

The PKD Foundation, headquartered in Kansas City, MO, leads the fight against polycystic kidney disease (PKD) through research funding, patient education and advocacy. In 2008, the PKD Foundation will fund approximately $4 million in vital PKD research. For more information, visit www.pkdcure.org or call 1-800-PKD-CURE.