BIO Hails House Passage of Reconciled User Fee Package
Washington, D.C. (June 21, 2012) –Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) President and CEO Jim Greenwood released the following statement on unanimous passage of S. 3187, the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act (FDASIA), by the U.S. House of Representatives:
“BIO commends the House of Representatives for its unanimous approval of FDASIA, which includes a reauthorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA).
“We appreciate the leadership of Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chair Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Ranking Member Mike Enzi (R-WY) as well as of House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Fred Upton (R-MI) and Ranking Member Henry Waxman (D-CA) in reconciling the differences between the user fee packages adopted by the two Chambers and for securing unanimous approval in the House.
“FDASIA reflects the enhancements to PDUFA agreed upon by industry and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It will enhance the development and review of innovative new therapies through increased transparency and scientific dialogue, advancements in regulatory science and strengthened post-market review. It will also increase FDA’s access to external expertise to improve the drug review process.
"FDASIA will foster timely interactive communication with sponsors during the drug development phase as a core Agency activity to facilitate the conduct of efficient and effective drug development programs and help make safe and effective drugs available to the American public in a timely manner.
“The enhanced Accelerated Approval and breakthrough therapy pathway will help expedite the development of modern, targeted, and personalized therapies for patients suffering from serious and life-threatening diseases while preserving the FDA’s robust standards for safety and effectiveness.
“The inclusion of the permanent reauthorization of the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act and Pediatric Research Equity Act in FDASIA will encourage continued investment in pediatric research and help ensure that new drugs and biologics can be used safely and appropriately in pediatric patients.
“We are pleased that Congress is on track to send the legislation to the President for his signature into law well in advance of the expiration of PDUFA IV in September. This is critical in order to avoid a reduction in force at the FDA which would be devastating to the Agency’s public health mission and its ability to review new drugs and biologics.
“Finally, BIO will continue to work with Congress on the creation of a uniform national standard for pharmaceutical product traceability to preserve patient access to safe medicines.”
About BIO
BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIO produces BIOtechNOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling “innovations transforming our world.” Subscribe to BIOtechNOW.
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BIO India International Conference
September 12 – 13, 2012
Mumbai, India
September 19 – 21, 2012
Kansas City, MO
October 9-10, 2012
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October 10 – 12, 2012
Vancouver, Canada
October 24 – 25, 2012
Shanghai, China
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