FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESIDENT BUSH SIGNS HISTORIC LEGISLATION ON DIGESTIVE DISEASES INTO LAW

Media Contact:
Chris Faust on behalf of CCFA
973-812-8883 ext. 231
cfaust@pfsmarketwyse.com

New York, NY (December 2, 2004) – The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) today announced that President George W. Bush signed into law earlier this week the first piece of legislation focused on Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract which afflict approximately one million Americans,100,000 or 10% of whom are children under the age of 18.

"This historic legislation is a major win for patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, and a significant leap forward to building greater awareness and funding for research and vital program support for our patient community," said Rodger L. DeRose, president and CEO of CCFA. "CCFA is proud to have been the organizing force behind this effort. We look forward to the day a cure is found for these life-altering diseases."

The legislation signed by the President is entitled the "Research Review Act" and requires that the:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report to Congress by May 1, 2005, on the status of its inflammatory bowel disease epidemiology study. The goal of this landmark study, which is funded by CCFA, is to gain a better understanding of the true prevalence of the disease in the U.S., and the unique demographic characteristics of the IBD patient population. This information will yield invaluable clues regarding the role that environmental and genetic factors play in the development of the diseases.

• Government Accountability Office report to Congress on the coverage standards of Medicare and Medicaid for therapies that IBD patients need to maintain their health (i.e., ostomy supplies, parenteral nutrition, enteral nutrition, medically necessary food products, and FDA-approved therapies for Crohn's and ulcerative colitis). The study will take into consideration the appropriate outpatient or home health care settings. This report will help identify gaps in Medicare/Medicaid coverage that have an impact on the health and quality of life for IBD patients, and empower the IBD community to pursue appropriate changes in reimbursement policy.

• Government Accountability Office report to Congress on the challenges IBD patients encounter when applying for Social Security Disability coverage, including recommendations for improving the application process for IBD patients. The information generated from this study will enable the IBD community to work with Congress and the Social Security Administration to pursue improvements in disability coverage for patients.

During the 108th Congress, the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America and its National IBD Advocacy Network, which represents patients, families, and friends nationwide, dedicated themselves to advancing legislation on IBD. The three provisions on IBD enacted as part of the "Research Review Act" today were taken directly from legislation entitled the "Inflammatory Bowel Disease Act." Working in partnership with the members of Congress who introduced the "IBD Act," CCFA helped secure 184 co-sponsors for the bill in the House, and 37 co-sponsors in the Senate. The tremendous bipartisan support for this legislation in the House and Senate contributed greatly to the passage and enactment of the "Research Review Act."

CCFA expresses its deep appreciation to President Bush and the following members of Congress who championed the cause of IBD patients on Capitol Hill: Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), Congresswoman Sue Kelly (R-NY), Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS), Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA), Congressman Michael Bilirakis (R-FL), Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL), Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) and Congressman Sherrod Brown (D-OH).

About IBD
IBD affects an estimated one million Americans, including 100,000 children. Ulcerative colitis affects only the colon, while Crohn's disease occurs in both the small intestine and colon. Symptoms range from mild to severe and include persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramps, rectal bleeding, fever and weight loss. Children with the disease may experience delayed growth and retarded sexual maturation.

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic illnesses. Some patients' symptoms are controlled by various medications that often cause difficult side effects; patients may require frequent hospitalization and surgery. Left untreated, symptoms may worsen and cause complications such as abscesses, obstruction, malnutrition and anemia. Colon cancer may be a serious complication of long-term ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, even in a patient who is in remission.

About CCFA
Founded in 1967, the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) is the only national, volunteer-driven non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis through research, and to improving the quality of life of children and adults affected by these digestive diseases through education and support. More than 82 cents of every dollar CCFA spends is allocated to research, education, and support. CCFA consistently meets the standards of organizations such as The American Institute of Philanthropy and the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance. For more information, contact CCFA at (800) 932-2423 or visit www.ccfa.org.