Functional gastrointestinal and motility disorders (FGIMDs) affect individuals of all ages, including children, and these conditions can range in severity from discomforting to life-changing or life-threatening. Most FGIMDs are chronic and require a lifetime of care to manage painful and disabling symptoms.
Despite the severity of FGIMDs and the high healthcare costs associated with addressing these conditions, little is understood scientifically and treatment options are extremely limited. This leads to a situation where conditions are often misdiagnosed, mistreated, or under-reported.
In addition, the lack of effective treatment options disrupts employment, educational, and social opportunities for patients, forcing some onto disability and leading to substantial lost potential for both the individual and society.
You Helped Take Action for Digestive Health
The International Organization for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) and the GI patient community played a pivotal role in advocating for The Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders Research Enhancement Act. Together, we worked tirelessly to raise awareness and push for meaningful changes in the research and treatment of functional gastrointestinal and motility disorders (FGIMDs).
Thanks to this effort, many of the important initiatives outlined in this legislation are now being carried out today. Our advocacy led to significant advancements in the research and treatment of these conditions, and several of the asks from the legislation have been implemented, improving the lives of those affected by FGIMDs.
Through their persistence, the IFFGD and the GI patient community helped to:
- Ensure that the research recommendations of the National Commission on Digestive Diseases were put into action, expanding the research portfolio at the NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. This focused on deepening the understanding of FGIMDs and their underlying mechanisms, paving the way for better diagnosis and treatment options.
- Foster collaboration between the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department of Defense, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. This collaboration has significantly advanced research and patient care for FGIMDs, particularly those that impact veterans and active-duty military personnel.
- Push for the expansion of research into pediatric FGIMDs. Many FGIMDs emerge in childhood, and the advocacy efforts have led to breakthroughs in diagnosing and treating these conditions early, helping to reduce lifelong suffering and healthcare costs.
- Stimulate the development of new treatments by urging the FDA to establish a formal process for reviewing, approving, and monitoring new drugs for FGIMDs, which has resulted in expanded treatment options for patients.
The dedication and advocacy of the IFFGD and the GI patient community have not only brought attention to these critical issues but have also resulted in real, impactful change. Today, many of the goals set forth by the legislation are being realized, offering hope to individuals affected by FGIMDs and improving the quality of care for patients across the country.
View the text of the bill here.
