Washington, D.C. – Last week, Patients Rising recognized U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) as the Patient Advocate of the Year for his leadership on legislation to reauthorize the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Priority Review Voucher Program through the Give Kids a Chance Act. The voucher program incentivizes pharmaceutical companies to develop treatments for rare pediatric diseases by allowing them to expedite FDA review of more innovative drugs. 

“It’s an honor to be in the U.S. Senate fighting for Oklahomans each and every day. I’m grateful to those that put their trust in me and will continue to work tirelessly for them and the issues they hold most dear.” said Senator Mullin. 

Patients Rising CEO, Terry Wilcox, presented the award to Senator Mullin at his Washington, D.C. office.

Background:

• On March 26, 2025, Senator Mullin introduced the Give Kids a Chance Act.
• The We the Patients Fly-In was attended by 120+ rare and chronic disease patient advocates from all over the country.
• Formed in 2015, Patients Rising works with patients to advocate on behalf of the 144 million Americans with chronic illnesses for access to the treatments, innovations, and care they need. 

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