IV 
118TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. RES. 1094 
Recognizing the significance of Sjo¨gren’s as a serious and systemic 
autoimmune disease and designating April as ‘‘Sjo¨gren’s Awareness Month’’. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
MARCH 19, 2024 
Mr. MORELLE submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
Committee on Energy and Commerce 
RESOLUTION 
Recognizing the significance of Sjo¨gren’s as a serious and 
systemic autoimmune disease and designating April as 
‘‘Sjo¨gren’s Awareness Month’’. 
Whereas up to 4,000,000 adults in the United States are liv-
ing with Sjo¨gren’s; 
Whereas Sjo¨gren’s is a systemic autoimmune disease that af-
fects the entire body— 
(1) symptoms include extensive dryness throughout 
the body, including the eyes and mouth, profound fatigue, 
and chronic pain; 
(2) the average age for diagnosis is currently be-
tween the ages of 45 and 55, although Sjo¨gren’s can af-
fect all ages; and 
(3) the female-to-male ratio for Sjo¨gren’s diagnosis 
is approximately 9:1; 
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Whereas the cause of Sjo¨gren’s is not known, and there is 
no single test to diagnose the autoimmune disease; 
Whereas Sjo¨gren’s is not easily treated and is primarily pal-
liative, with over-the-counter products used to manage 
dryness symptoms along with off-label prescriptions for 
anti-inflammatory and disease-modifying therapies; 
Whereas individuals living with Sjo¨gren’s are often subjected 
to higher out-of-pocket costs, in order to afford medica-
tions to control inflammation and dryness, relieve joint, 
muscle and nerve pain, reduce acid reflux due to limited 
saliva production, and treat the devastating complications 
of oral and other dryness; 
Whereas rheumatologists primarily treat individuals with 
Sjo¨gren’s, a wide variety of specialists are involved, in-
cluding 
dentists, 
neurologists, 
ocular 
specialists, 
otolaryngologists, gastroenterologists, nephrologists, and 
pulmonologists, among others; 
Whereas the physical and psychological impact of Sjo¨gren’s 
can severely affect an individual’s duties at home and in 
the workplace; 
Whereas there is a need to update the nomenclature to clas-
sify Sjo¨gren’s as a disease; 
Whereas there is a need for more research to understand the 
pathology that leads to the autoimmune attack in 
Sjo¨gren’s, including the role of the interplay of the im-
mune and nervous systems; 
Whereas clinical trials are underway to test the efficacy of 
targeted therapies that will address the cause of 
Sjo¨gren’s; 
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Whereas research is underway to identify genes and environ-
mental influences that may contribute to understanding 
who is susceptible to Sjo¨gren’s; and 
Whereas more research is needed to identify new therapies to 
help individuals with Sjo¨gren’s manage the symptoms 
and complications as they age: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) recognizes the importance of Sjo¨gren’s as a 
serious health issue that causes a significant health 
burden; 
(2) encourages the Department of Health and 
Human Services and relevant agencies— 
(A) to identify new areas of research to 
improve the understanding of the causes and 
identify biomarkers that will help with patient 
stratification and diagnosis, disease manage-
ment, and development of targeted therapies for 
Sjo¨gren’s patients; 
(B) to better quantify the number of pa-
tients suffering from Sjo¨gren’s as many are be-
lieved to be undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed; 
(C) to update and disseminate literature 
on Sjo¨gren’s to public health professionals to 
increase awareness for the condition; and 
(D) to build awareness among physicians 
and communities in underserved areas so that 
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patients are diagnosed correctly and obtain 
needed care. 
Æ 
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