Mace-sponsored bill would provide more animal drug options

U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) on Sept. 15 sponsored legislation to expand the options of pet owners, ranchers and farmers who rely on safe and effective animal drugs at affordable prices.

The Generic Animal Drug Advancement Act, H.R. 8857, would make certain changes with respect to the approval of abbreviated applications for the approval of new animal drugs, according to the congressional record bill summary. 

“We must continue to fight for animal welfare and increased access to necessary medications,” said Rep. Mace. “This important legislation will give pet owners, ranchers and farmers the freedom to access animal drugs at more affordable prices and also result in a reduction of duplicative current laboratory testing of animals.”

H.R. 8857 would expand pathways for generic animal drugs to be approved as combination products and update Food and Drug Administration animal drug labeling requirements to allow generic animal drugs to gain approval for single species, rather than all species labeled on a pioneer drug, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Mace’s staff.

Stephanie Batliner, chair of the Generic Animal Drug Alliance, said the alliance “supports these revisions to the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act so generic animal drug sponsors may legally market less costly alternatives to expensive name-brand medications for animals.”

H.R. 8857 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.