The Prader-Willi Syndrome Association | USA (PWSA | USA) and the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research (FPWR) would like to take a moment to acknowledge a significant leadership transition at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As Dr. Patrizia Cavazzoni steps down as Director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), we express our deepest gratitude for her remarkable contributions to the rare disease community. At the same time, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jacqueline Corrigan-Curay as the incoming Director, bringing renewed hope and optimism to our mission.
Thank You, Dr. Cavazzoni!
Dr. Cavazzoni’s leadership has been transformative for the rare disease community, including families affected by Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Under her guidance, the FDA launched the Rare Disease Innovation Hub, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at accelerating therapeutic development and fostering collaboration between stakeholders. Her dedication to streamlining drug development and approval processes has significantly advanced the prospects of life-changing therapies for individuals living with rare conditions.
We are profoundly grateful for Dr. Cavazzoni’s steadfast commitment to ensuring the voices of rare disease patients and advocates are heard. Her visionary work has laid a strong foundation for continued progress, and while we are saddened by her departure, we wish her all the best in her future endeavors. Her legacy will resonate deeply within our community for years to come.
Welcome, Dr. Corrigan-Curay
As we bid farewell to Dr. Cavazzoni, we are excited to welcome Dr. Jacqueline Corrigan-Curay as the new Director of CDER. Dr. Corrigan-Curay brings an exceptional track record of regulatory expertise, innovation, and collaboration that inspires confidence in the PWS and broader rare disease communities. Her leadership comes at a critical time, as the FDA continues to prioritize advancements in rare disease therapeutic development and address the unique challenges faced by our community.
We are optimistic about the future of CDER under Dr. Corrigan-Curay’s leadership. Her understanding of regulatory science and commitment to fostering partnerships between the FDA, researchers, and patient organizations promise to drive meaningful progress for families impacted by PWS. We look forward to collaborating with her to ensure that the needs of the PWS community remain a priority in the FDA’s efforts.
Looking Ahead
This leadership transition is a pivotal moment for the rare disease community. Both Dr. Cavazzoni and Dr. Corrigan-Curay exemplify the dedication, vision, and expertise required to tackle the complex challenges of rare diseases like PWS. As advocates, we remain committed to supporting and partnering with CDER to advance policies and initiatives that improve the quality of life for individuals with PWS and their families.
We thank Dr. Cavazzoni for her invaluable contributions and warmly welcome Dr. Corrigan-Curay as she embarks on this new role. Together, we move forward with hope, determination, and a shared commitment to creating a brighter future for those living with PWS and other rare diseases.
Perry A. Zirkel has written more than 1,500 publications on various aspects of school law, with an emphasis on legal issues in special education. He writes a regular column for NAESP’s Principal magazine and NASP’s Communiqué newsletter, and he did so previously for Phi Delta Kappan and Teaching Exceptional Children.
Jennifer Bolander has been serving as a Special Education Specialist for PWSA (USA) since October of 2015. She is a graduate of John Carroll University and lives in Ohio with her husband Brad and daughters Kate (17), and Sophia (13) who was born with PWS.
Dr. Amy McTighe is the PWS Program Manager and Inpatient Teacher at the Center for Prader-Willi Syndrome at the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh. She graduated from Duquesne University receiving her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education with a focus on elementary education, special education, and language arts.
Evan has worked with the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA) since 2007 primarily as a Crisis Intervention and Family Support Counselor. Evans works with parents and schools to foster strong collaborative relationships and appropriate educational environments for students with PWS.
Staci Zimmerman works for Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of Colorado as an Individualized Education Program (IEP) consultant. Staci collaborates with the PWS multi-disciplinary clinic at the Children’s Hospital in Denver supporting families and school districts around the United States with their child’s Individual Educational Plan.
Founded in 2001, SDLC is a non-profit legal services organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the legal rights of people with disabilities throughout the South. It partners with the Southern Poverty Law Center, Protection and Advocacy (P&A) programs, Legal Services Corporations (LSC) and disability organizations on major, systemic disability rights issues involving the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the federal Medicaid Act. Recently in November 2014, Jim retired.