Congress Clears Bill to Enhance FDA Review of Medicines For Pets And Farm Animals

11/13/2003 Congress Clears Bill to Enhance FDA Review of Medicines For Pets And Farm Animals - 11/10 AHI

"This is a victory for pet owners, veterinarians, farmers, ranchers and consumers," said Alexander S. Mathews, President and CEO of the Animal Health Institute in Washington, D.C. "It will help fix a broken review process at FDA and speed the review of new animals drugs to improve the length and quality of the life of pets and help ensure a healthy food supply."

The Animal Drug User Fee Act will place performance goals, or timelines, on the FDA review of new animal drug applications. In exchange, the animal health industry will pay user fees to FDA to increase the budget used to hire reviewers and perform other tasks essential to the review process.

Mathews thanked the primary sponsors of the bill, Senator John Ensign (R-NV), Senator Tom Harkin (K-IA), Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI) and Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO). Also, he praised the Committee leaders in the House and Senate who played a major role: Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH), Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA), Congressman W.J. "Billy" Tauzin and Congressman John Dingell (D-MI).

"The animal health industry is grateful to these sponsors in particular and the U.S. Congress in general for recognizing the importance of this bill and its value to all Americans, and we look forward to the President signing it as soon as possible," Mathews said. "We also appreciate the support of the veterinary and livestock and poultry groups who supported this effort."

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