The U.S. House of Representatives on Monday passed bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) that would ensure drug developers use more effective testing methods rather than relying on outdated and inhumane animal tests.
The House advanced the FDA Modernization Act 3.0, H.R. 2821, to the U.S. Senate. Rep. Carter sponsored the measure on April 10 alongside five original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Nanette Diaz Barragan (D-CA), to direct the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to fully implement provisions to reduce unnecessary animal testing for drug development.
“The House passage of the FDA Modernization Act 3.0 marks a major step toward a more modern, effective, and humane system for evaluating medicines,” said Rep. Carter. “My bill will help update testing practices to reduce unnecessary animal harm, remove barriers to innovative, safe, and effective non-animal testing methods, and ensure the FDA’s implementation fully reflects both the law and today’s scientific capabilities.”
H.R. 2821 would require the FDA to fully implement the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 to ensure safe and effective drug treatments are developed using advanced, innovative non-animal testing methods when possible, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Carter’s staff.
“Patients deserve access to the most advanced medical technology available,” Rep. Buchanan said. “The FDA Modernization Act 3.0 ensures that drug testing reflects today’s innovations, helping to bring promising health care to families faster without compromising safety through unnecessary reliance on animal testing.”
Wayne Pacelle, president of the Center for a Humane Economy at Animal Wellness Action, endorsed the bill.