Problem Solvers Caucus backs Gottheimer's Cameron's Law to boost rare disease research

Bipartisan group supports bill to restore full Orphan Drug Tax Credit

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer announced that the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus has endorsed Cameron's Law, legislation that would restore the full Orphan Drug Tax Credit to encourage research and development of treatments for rare diseases. The bill is named after 8-year-old Cameron Hyman of Wyckoff, who has Sanfilippo Syndrome, a rare genetic disease. More than 90% of rare diseases lack approved therapies, according to advocates.

Why it matters

The Orphan Drug Tax Credit has long been a cornerstone of rare disease innovation, helping bridge the gap between discovery and delivery. Weakening it in 2017 slowed progress in a space where urgency matters most. Restoring the full 50% credit will strengthen incentives for early-stage research and reaffirm the government's commitment to families facing rare diseases.

The details

Cameron's Law would reverse a 2017 change that reduced the Orphan Drug Tax Credit from 50% to 25%, a move supporters say slowed innovation and made it more difficult to develop therapies for rare conditions. The bill is co-led by Reps. Bacon, Fitzpatrick, Max Miller, Panetta and Suozzi.

  • The Orphan Drug Tax Credit was reduced from 50% to 25% in 2017.

The players

Josh Gottheimer

U.S. Representative from New Jersey's 5th congressional district who introduced Cameron's Law.

Cameron Hyman

An 8-year-old from Wyckoff, New Jersey who has Sanfilippo Syndrome, a rare genetic disease.

Problem Solvers Caucus

A bipartisan group of House members focused on advancing legislation with support from both parties.

Don Bacon

U.S. Representative from Nebraska's 2nd congressional district and co-lead on Cameron's Law.

Jimmy Panetta

U.S. Representative from California's 19th congressional district and co-lead on Cameron's Law.

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What they’re saying

“Families like Cameron's are counting on Congress to step up. By fully restoring this tax credit, Cameron's Law will help drive critical investment into research for rare diseases — many of which still have no FDA-approved treatments. I'm proud that the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus is backing my commonsense legislation to support innovation, deliver hope to families, and strengthen Jersey's leadership in life sciences.”

— Josh Gottheimer, U.S. Representative (wrnjradio.com)

“Cameron's Law will create incentives, through tax credits, for pharmaceutical companies to create drugs to treat these diseases and get them to patients as quickly and safely as possible. Rare diseases have hit close to home, as two of my staffers have been affected by rare diseases, but thankfully, drugs and treatments were available to them. It is my hope that like them, all those suffering from rare diseases will have increased access to lifesaving drugs.”

— Don Bacon, U.S. Representative (wrnjradio.com)

“Cutting the Orphan Drug Tax Credit in half puts life-saving research for rare diseases at risk, slowing progress for patients and families who are counting on medical breakthroughs. With the formal endorsement of the Problem Solver's Caucus, it's clear that there is strong, bipartisan support behind Cameron's Law to restore the full tax credit and help ensure that developing treatments for rare diseases remains a priority.”

— Jimmy Panetta, U.S. Representative (wrnjradio.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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