FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
31 January 2025
Contact: Liam Forsythe – 202-225-8220
Liam.forsythe@mail.house.gov
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) reintroduced the Prompt Approval of Safe Generic Drugs Act, legislation that would increase access to lower-cost drugs by eliminating barriers in the drug approval process that hinder the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from approving generic drugs.
Generic drugs have the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug equivalents, resulting in the same clinical benefits for patients. They also must meet the same safety, quality, and effectiveness standards set by the FDA. However, generic drugs are considerably more affordable than their brand-name counterparts.
A major contributor to the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs comes from drug manufacturers abusing the drug approval process, including obstructing the FDA from approving generic alternatives. The Prompt Approval of Safe Generic Drugs Act would allowgeneric drugs to enter the market sooner,increasing competition and expanding patient access to lower-cost drugs.
“No one should have to risk their health due to high medication costs,” said Rep. Barragán. “In the United States, drug prices are more than twice as high as prices in other comparable countries. The outrageously high cost of drugs forces many patients to choose between taking the medicine they need and meeting their other basic living expenses such as rent or groceries, which can lead to worsened health outcomes and increased financial hardship. That is why I am proud to reintroduce the Prompt Approval of Safe Generic Drugs Act, an essential step toward making FDA-approved prescription drugs more affordable and accessible for all Americans.”
Bill text can be found here.
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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, healthcare, and digital equity issues.