On May 21, 2024, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra issued a statement regarding the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) new request for information. The NIH has introduced a draft policy proposal aimed at promoting equitable access to products derived from NIH-owned inventions.
"The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to lowering health care costs, promoting innovation, and making sure that taxpayer investments result in advancements in biomedical research that are accessible to everyone across the country," said Secretary Becerra.
The draft policy requires organizations partnering with the NIH through patent license agreements to provide detailed plans for patient access to drugs, biologics, vaccines, or devices developed from NIH-owned inventions. This initiative aims to accelerate the translation of medical research breakthroughs from the NIH’s Intramural Research Program into affordable and sustainable solutions for patients nationwide.
The NIH has released a request for information and is seeking public input to inform this new policy.
