Bill Expands Pediatric Cancer Research
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Congress has passed, and President Donald Trump has signed the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act, a new law aimed at giving children fighting cancer and rare diseases more hope and more options.
The law expands research on childhood cancer, strengthens the Food and Drug Administration’s oversight of pediatric drug studies, and encourages the development of new drug combinations tailored for children.
The legislation also clarifies orphan drug exclusivity rules, extends the FDA’s priority review vouchers for rare pediatric disease treatments through 2029, and reauthorizes funding for the National Institutes of Health to support pediatric research through fiscal year 2027.
The law honors 16-year-old Mikaela Naylon, who spent her final weeks advocating for children like her, inspiring lawmakers to take action.
It was introduced by Texas Congressman Michael McCaul and passed both chambers of Congress before being signed into law as part of the FY2026 federal spending package.
Alexander Brown, a young boy undergoing cancer treatment, is now participating in a clinical trial supported under the law.
His parents say he has taken over 13,000 pills as part of the trial, keeping his energy and spirit, and continues to inspire everyone around him.
Alexander’s parents worked alongside advocate Nancy F. Goodman, an attorney who lost a child to cancer, to help advance the bill and gain support from legislators, showing how dedicated advocacy can make a difference for children nationwide.
