Download The Melanoma Research Foundation Applauds the Senate for

For Immediate Release: September 17, 2014
Contact:
Lauren Smith Dyer
(202) 742-5918 (T)
(202) 870-8827 (M)
[email protected]
The Melanoma Research Foundation Applauds the Senate for
Unanimous Approval of Sunscreen Innovation Act
Act Will Expedite FDA Review of New Sunscreen Filters, Providing Consumers With
More Ways to Protect Themselves from Damaging UV Radiation
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today the U.S. Senate voted on and passed the Sunscreen
Innovation Act (SIA), sending a clear message to the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) that it must address the 12 year backlog of new sunscreen filters
waiting to be approved and released for consumer access.
“Americans are limited in their choices for compounds that block UV radiation because
of the long-standing bureaucratic gridlock at the FDA that prevents new agents from
being approved” said Tim Turnham, Executive Director of the Melanoma Research
Foundation (MRF). “Meanwhile, the Surgeon General has issued a Call to Action to
Prevent Skin Cancer that highlights the importance of sun safety. This act will help
further the agenda of the Surgeon General by providing consumers with new options to
block cancer-causing UV rays.”
The bipartisan Sunscreen Innovation Act (H.R. 4250/S. 2141), was introduced by
Reps. Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.) and John Dingell (D-Mich.) in the House and Sens. Jack
Reed (D-R.I.) and Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) in the Senate. This legislation will streamline
FDA's sunscreen approval process to ensure that new sunscreen ingredients receive a
transparent review within a predictable timeframe. This would allow the American public
to gain access to the latest safe, effective and innovative sunscreen products to protect
against the sun’s most harmful rays.
The last over-the-counter, (OTC) sunscreen ingredient to be approved by FDA was in
the 1990s. Since 2002, eight new sunscreen applications have been filed and are still
awaiting review 12 years later. New sunscreen technologies currently awaiting approval
in the U.S. have been widely available in Europe, Asia, and Central and South America,
in some cases for more than 15 years.
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. It is the leading cause of cancer death in
women in their 20s and the number of diagnoses are increasing every year,
emphasizing the need for greater prevention efforts. The SIA was introduced to not only
to urge the FDA to expedite its review and approval process, but also hold the FDA
accountable for the important role it should play in preventing future melanoma
diagnoses and deaths.
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About Melanoma
Melanoma is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States and can strike men
and women of all ages, all races and skin types. With a one in 50 lifetime risk of
developing melanoma, nearly 77,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with the
disease in 2014, resulting in almost 10,000 deaths. Melanoma is the most common form
of cancer for young adults 25- to 29-years-old and the second most common cancer in
adolescents and young adults 15- to 29-years-old.
The majority of melanomas occur on the skin; in fact, melanoma is the most serious
type of skin cancer. Melanoma can also occur in the eye (ocular, or uveal melanoma), in
mucous membranes (mucosal melanoma), or even beneath fingernails or toenails.
About the Melanoma Research Foundation
The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent organization
devoted to melanoma. Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective
treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and
physicians about prevention, diagnosis and the treatment of melanoma. The MRF is an
active advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this
disease and the need for a cure. The MRF’s website is the premier source for
melanoma information seekers. More information is available at www.melanoma.org.
Find the MRF on Facebook and Twitter.