Bill 118 HR 3793, also known as the Ensuring Access to Lifesaving Drugs Act of 2023, aims to address the issue of access to essential medications for patients in need. The bill focuses on improving the availability and affordability of lifesaving drugs by implementing several key measures.
One of the main provisions of the bill is the establishment of a program to monitor and address drug shortages. This program would require manufacturers to report potential shortages of essential medications to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in order to prevent disruptions in supply. The FDA would then work with manufacturers to address shortages and ensure that patients have access to the medications they need.
Additionally, the bill includes measures to increase competition in the pharmaceutical industry and lower drug prices. This includes provisions to expedite the approval process for generic drugs and biosimilars, as well as measures to prevent anticompetitive practices by drug manufacturers.
Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to improve transparency in drug pricing and ensure that patients are not overcharged for essential medications. This includes requirements for drug manufacturers to disclose pricing information and justify price increases, as well as measures to prevent price gouging.
Overall, the Ensuring Access to Lifesaving Drugs Act of 2023 aims to improve access to essential medications for patients in need by addressing drug shortages, increasing competition in the pharmaceutical industry, and improving transparency in drug pricing.