WASHINGTON (AP) – The House is nearing approval of a bipartisan bill to speed federal approval of drugs and medical devices and boost biomedical research.
The measure is supported by industry and patients’ groups who have long wanted faster pathways for drugs to reach consumers. Some consumer organizations say the measure would weaken government safeguards against dangerous or ineffective products.
The bill would increase spending for the National Institutes of Health by $8.75 billion over the next five years. NIH finances much of the country’s biomedical research.
The Food and Drug Administration would get an additional $550 million over that period.
Other provisions would let regulators use shorter studies with fewer people as they decide whether drugs and devices are safe.