WASHINGTON, DC - This evening, the House of Representatives passed S.622, the Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Reauthorization Act of 2013 by a vote of 390 to 12. The legislation would reauthorize the Animal Drug User Fee Act (ADUFA) and the Animal Generic Drug User Fee Act (AGDUFA) that expire at the end of Fiscal Year 2013. The programs have ensured that veterinarians, livestock and poultry producers, and pet owners have access to the drugs they need to keep their animals healthy. Environment and the Economy Subcommittee Chairman John Shimkus (R-IL) and Rep. Cory Gardner (R-CO) led the effort to renew these important programs.
“Human health is impacted by animal health, and the bills passed today impact both," said Rep. Shimkus. “These bills provide continued access to safe and effective animal drugs. Without reauthorization, the FDA would not be able to continue these vital programs."
Speaking in support of the legislation, Gardner said, “These programs have been a success story at the FDA, and this legislation will ensure that drug approvals are done efficiently and to the highest quality standards. … This bill will also help companies that develop and manufacture animal drugs by providing predictable timelines. It will also help them to benefit from a more stable review process, so they can make decisions about where to invest research dollars."
“Having medications that keep our animals healthy is essential to keeping our nation’s food supply safe," said Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI). “For companies like Zoetis, which employs some 700 people in southwest Michigan, these programs are vital in allowing them to keep producing innovative drugs for pets and livestock."
