The BRAIN Act (Bolstering Research And Innovation Now Act) is a federal law designed to tackle brain tumors, which affect over a million Americans and kill more children than any other cancer. Right now, survival rates for brain tumors haven't improved in 45 years, and there's no way to prevent or detect them early. This bill aims to change that by pouring money and resources into finding better treatments.

The law does several practical things. It creates a searchable database so researchers can find and access brain tumor tissue samples and other biological materials collected with government funding, making it easier for scientists to study the disease. It funds a special research network focused specifically on glioblastoma, the deadliest type of brain tumor, and supports development of cutting-edge immunotherapy treatments like CAR-T therapy. The bill also invests in helping brain tumor survivors get better long-term care after treatment, including mental health support and coordination between different doctors.

Beyond research, the law launches a national awareness campaign to educate patients, families, and doctors about clinical trials and biomarker testing—tools that can help find the right treatment for each person. It funds demonstration projects in communities that have historically had low participation in cancer trials, with special attention to rural areas and populations that face health disparities. Finally, the FDA is required to issue guidance on how to include brain tumor patients in clinical trials for other diseases, potentially opening up more treatment options. The bill authorizes roughly $75 million over five years to fund these various initiatives.