House Passes Bipartisan FDA User-Fee Reauthorization Bill

The House of Representatives passed a bill reauthorizing a fee program that helps bankroll the approval process for drugs and medical devices.

The fee program, which under the House bill would generate about $400 million in additional revenue in fiscal year 2018, is set to expire on Sept. 30. The Food and Drug Administration and drug and device industries every five years negotiate new fees, which are then approved by Congress.

The bipartisan bill passed by a voice vote July 12. It was revised slightly after winning unanimous backing in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, with pediatric-drug and device ...