The Old Drugs, New Cures Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 8267, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to streamline the process for repurposing existing drugs for new medical uses.
One of the key provisions of the Old Drugs, New Cures Act is the establishment of a new pathway for drug manufacturers to seek approval for new uses of existing drugs. This pathway would allow manufacturers to bypass some of the lengthy and costly clinical trials typically required for new drugs, as long as the drug has already been proven to be safe and effective for its original use.
The bill also includes measures to incentivize drug manufacturers to pursue new uses for existing drugs, such as extended patent exclusivity or other financial incentives. This is intended to encourage innovation and investment in repurposing drugs, which could lead to new treatments for a variety of medical conditions.
Overall, the Old Drugs, New Cures Act aims to promote the development of new treatments and cures by making it easier for drug manufacturers to repurpose existing drugs. Supporters of the bill argue that this could lead to faster and more cost-effective ways to bring new treatments to market, while critics raise concerns about potential safety risks and the impact on drug pricing.