FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
17 September 2024
Contact: Kevin G. McGuire, 202-538-2386 (mobile)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) introduced the Prompt Approval of Safe Generic Drugs Act, legislation that would expand access to lower-cost generic drugs by removing hurdles in the drug approval process. These barriers otherwise prevent the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from approving certain follow-on products that could improve competition and patient access.
These generic drugs otherwise contain the same active ingredients as their brand-name drug counterpart, producing the same clinical benefit for patients. Overall, generic drugs are significantly less expensive compared to their brand-name counterpart.
Abuse of the drug approval process by drug manufacturers, such as preventing FDA’s ability to approve generic competitors, has been one of the driving factors behind the rapidly rising cost of prescription drugs. The Prompt Approval of Safe Generic Drugs Act would allow for generic drugs to enter the market sooner and increase competition, ultimately increasing access to more affordable drugs.
“The skyrocketing price of prescription drugs is one of the top issues my constituents have continuously asked us to address in Congress. In the United States, three in ten adults say they haven’t taken their medicine as prescribed due to the costs. That is unacceptable,” said Rep. Barragán. “That is why I am proud to introduce the Prompt Approval of Safe Generic Drugs Act, which is a critical step to ensuring all Americans can access the prescription drugs they need at an affordable price.”
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Congressmember Nanette Barragán represents California’s 44th District. She sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and works on environmental justice and healthcare issues. She is also Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC).