DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2025

Key Points

• This bill creates a permanent research program at the National Institutes of Health focused on Down syndrome, officially called the INCLUDE Project. It covers research, training, and investigation across the entire lifespan of people with Down syndrome.
• The program specifically targets conditions that frequently occur alongside Down syndrome, including Alzheimer's disease and autoimmune disorders. Research into why these conditions are more common in people with Down syndrome could lead to broader medical breakthroughs.
• The bill pushes to include more people with Down syndrome in clinical trials, a group that has historically been left out of medical studies. Trials would cover new medicines, therapies, and interventions designed to help with daily living.
• NIH must consult with patient advocates and families to make sure the research reflects what people with Down syndrome actually need. The agency is also required to report to Congress every two years on progress and real-world results.
• The bill has bipartisan support, introduced by Rep. DeGette with cosponsors from both parties. It was referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where it currently sits.