Senate passes FDA Reauthorization Act

The Senate yesterday voted 94-1 to approve the FDA Reauthorization Act (H.R. 2430), sending the legislation to the president for his signature. The bill reauthorizes and amends four FDA user fee programs under which companies that develop drugs and medical devices partially pay for premarket review of their products. The bill also includes provisions intended to improve generic drug development and help lower prescription drug costs; improve the medical device inspection process; and improve communication about abuse-deterrent opioid products, among other changes.