President Signs “Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act” Into Law; Includes Key ASA-Advanced Drug Shortage Provisions

On July 9, President Barack Obama signed into law S. 3187, the "Food and Drug Administration Safety Act" law, which contains important provisions to address drug shortages. Previously the legislation cleared the U.S. Senate by a vote of 92-4 and the U.S. House by a voice vote.

This law represents a major step forward in efforts to address drug shortages. Specifically, at the urging of ASA and other drug shortages stakeholders, lawmakers used this bill as a vehicle to address the national drug shortages issue and this law includes an entire title consisting of provisions intended to help prevent and mitigate drug shortages.

ASA President Jerry A. Cohen, M.D. offered the following remarks:

"We are pleased to report the successful passage and signing of the Food and Drug Administration Safety Act. ASA's consistent leadership and advocacy alongside other key stakeholders proved fruitful in advancing the key drug shortages provisions of this act."