Senate passes right-to-try, FDARA

The Senate voted to pass the Trickett Wendler, Frank Mongiello and Jordan McLinn Right to Try Act of 2017 (S. 204), which would allow terminally ill patients access to investigational treatments. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for a vote.

Also on Thursday, the Senate passed the FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017 (FDARA; H.R. 2430) 94 to one. The bill reauthorizes PDUFA and user fees for biosimilars, generic drugs and medical devices. The House passed the legislation on July 12. At the time, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said he would seek to block a vote on FDARA unless the controversial right-to-try legislation is added to the bill. FDARA now heads to President Trump's desk (see BioCentury Extra, July 13)...