PASTEUR Act of 2021

The Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions To End Up surging Resistance Act of 2021 or the PASTEUR Act of 2021

This bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to enter into subscription contracts for critical-need antimicrobial drugs, provides $11 billion in appropriations for activities under the bill, and contains other related provisions.

A manufacturer of a Food and Drug Administration-approved antimicrobial drug may apply to HHS to have the drug designated as a critical-need antimicrobial, and HHS may enter into a subscription contract for such a critical-need antimicrobial. The bill imposes certain requirements related to such contracts, including a mechanism to lower payments under the contract in certain instances to limit the manufacturer's revenue from the drug.

Furthermore, HHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shall award grants to support efforts to encourage the appropriate use of antimicrobial drugs and efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance. The CDC shall also track and assess data relating to antibacterial resistance and human antibiotic use and make such data publicly available.

HHS shall also establish a Committee on Critical Need Antimicrobials. The committee shall develop a list of prioritized infections for which new antimicrobial drug development is needed, among other duties.

Within six years of the bill's enactment, the Government Accountability Office shall report to Congress a study on the bill's effectiveness in developing priority antimicrobial drugs.

The PASTEUR Act of 2021, also known as Bill 117 hr 3932, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to enhance the United States' ability to respond to public health emergencies, such as pandemics, by improving the coordination and collaboration between federal agencies, state and local governments, and other stakeholders.

Specifically, the PASTEUR Act aims to establish a National Biodefense Strategy to guide the country's preparedness and response efforts. This strategy would include measures to enhance the development and distribution of medical countermeasures, improve surveillance and detection capabilities, and strengthen the public health infrastructure.

Additionally, the bill seeks to enhance the coordination of research and development efforts related to infectious diseases and bioterrorism threats. This includes promoting collaboration between government agencies, academic institutions, and private sector partners to accelerate the development of new vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics. Furthermore, the PASTEUR Act includes provisions to improve the training and readiness of healthcare providers and first responders to effectively respond to public health emergencies. This includes funding for training programs, exercises, and drills to ensure that personnel are prepared to handle a wide range of potential threats. Overall, the PASTEUR Act of 2021 is aimed at strengthening the United States' ability to respond to public health emergencies and protect the health and safety of its citizens. By enhancing coordination, collaboration, and preparedness efforts, this legislation seeks to ensure that the country is better equipped to handle future challenges and threats.