Congressional Task Force Hosts Briefing on Speeding the Search for an Alzheimer's Disease Cure.

Panel Features Noted Authorities to Examine Research, Regulations and Accelerating Approval for Alzheimer's Therapies

WHAT:   The Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease is
        hosting a panel discussion followed by Q&A on how the federal
        government can better accelerate the development of
        Alzheimer's therapies.

        More than 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease today
        and this number is expected to reach 6.5 million in 2025 and
        13.4 million in 2050. This condition is taking an increasingly
        tremendous toll on American families as well as our public
        health system. Recent data shows that, if left unchecked,
        Medicare costs for patients with Alzheimer's disease and
        related dementias will reach $294 billion by 2025 and exceed
        $1 trillion by 2050.

        The impact of this epidemic - on America's families and
        healthcare system - can be significantly reduced by slowing
        the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease. Medicare
        alone could achieve savings of $126 billion by 2025 and $444
        billion by 2050.

WHO:    U.S. Reps. Ed Markey (D-MA) and Chris Smith (R-NJ), co-chairs
        of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease
        Dr. Stephen Potkin, Department of Psychiatry and Human
        Behavior, University of California, Irvine
        Dr. James Shipley, Praecis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
        Alan Bennett, Ropes & Gray

WHEN:   Tuesday, July 13 from 9:30 - 11:00 am

WHERE:  Cannon House Office Building
        Room 334

If you are interested in attending this briefing, please contact Chris Hill at 202-530-7702 or [e-mail].