WASHINGTON, D.C. - Energy and Commerce Committee members held a bipartisan teleconference with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Stephen Hahn, M.D., today for a briefing and discussion on the agency’s ongoing response to the coronavirus pandemic.
E&C Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR) and Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following joint statement following the call:
“Today, Energy and Commerce Committee members held a productive discussion with Commissioner Hahn on FDA’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 crisis. During the call, members discussed several important matters with the Commissioner, including FDA’s role ensuring the safety and accuracy of diagnostic and serological tests. We were also updated on efforts to supply much-needed medical devices, including testing supplies, and the development of potential COVID-19 treatments and vaccines.
“We appreciate Commissioner Hahn for joining us for this bipartisan discussion and extend our gratitude to all FDA staff who are working around the clock to protect the American people.
“Today’s conversation helps us continue our oversight responsibilities and will inform our ongoing work to address this terrible pandemic."
During the call, the members discussed a number of issues with Commissioner Hahn, including:
* An update on FDA’s efforts to support the development of safe and effective vaccines, therapeutics and serological tests for COVID-19;
* FDA’s ongoing work with test developers, laboratories and other federal agencies to ensure validation of serological tests as a part of our response to COVID-19;
* Additional actions FDA will take to help states acquire the necessary supplies to greatly expand testing capacity;
* FDA’s commitment to upholding the agency’s “gold standard" approval standard of safety and effectiveness for all medical products to treat COVID-19 and guarantee that science and data lead those decisions; and
* The role advanced manufacturing must play moving forward to ensure that we can increase domestic manufacturing, guarantee quality and reduce shortages of treatments.
